Is tourism a scourge? Critics say too many people want to travel and they are destroying the places they are meant to protect. Others argue the world would be poorer without them.
UK tourist faces jail for Colosseum carving
Is tourism a scourge? Critics say too many people want to travel and they are destroying the places they are meant to protect. Others argue the world would be poorer without them.
Cyriacus of Ancona had itchy feet. In 1421, the first tourist began to travel around Europe in search of its classical past.1 Others followed in his footsteps in what became known as the Grand Tour.
One of these early tourists was Lord Byron. He scratched his name onto some of the places he visited.
Last week Ivan Dimitrov added his own graffiti, carving "Ivan + Hayley 23" into a wall at the Colosseum in Rome. He may face a fine and five years in jail.
The ancient Roman arena is a protected UnescoThe United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. It aims to promote international cooperation in the arts, education, science and culture. World Heritage Site of "outstanding universal value". It is Italy's most popular tourist site and attracts six million visitors a year.
But are too many sight-seers doing more harm than good?
Many popular destinations depend on tourism. During the pandemic, people stayed at home and over 100 million tourist jobs were put at risk.
Tourism can lift communities out of poverty. Academic Ross Bennett-Cook says it could be the "economic saviour" for Albania, one of Europe's least visited countries.
But elsewhere, authorities are worried about "overtourism". Peru has restricted access to the Inca citadel Machu PicchuAn Inca city built in the Andes mountains in the 15th Century and then abandoned. to reduce littering and erosion. Venice has banned cruise ships blamed for damaging the city's foundations.
The Italian city is sinking and may be underwater by 2100. So anti-tourist feelings run high. Writer Tobias Jones says the world's most perfect places are now "nothing more than the backdrop for our selfies".
In his apology letter, Dimitrov told the mayor of Rome he was "unaware" of the Coloseum's age. Completed in 80AD, the ancient arena is the largest ever built. A popular myth is that early Christians were fed to lions at the Colosseum - no historical evidence supports this.
But misbehaving tourists can expect severe penalties. A French visitor was fined €1,000 (£854) for removing Italian sand. In Indonesia, a Russian tourist was deported for disrespecting a sacred site. And in Mexico, an angry mob attacked a Polish traveller who climbed a Mayan pyramid.
China's response to tourist graffiti is a specific stretch of the Great Wall where you can sign your name. It is a novel solution to a habit that looks likely to die hard.
<h5 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper" id="question"><strong>Is tourism a scourge?</strong></h5>
Yes: Massive crowds harm the environment, damage ancient sites and make places too expensive for locals. They are turning attractive destinations into overcrowded eyesores no one can enjoy.
No: Tourists bring money to poorer regions to create jobs, invest in infrastructure and protect the environment and historical sites. Their visits improve understanding between cultures.
Or... It all depends on the tourist. When planning a holiday, it is important to consider how your visit will impact the local community and the wider environment - for better or worse.
UNESCO - The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. It aims to promote international cooperation in the arts, education, science and culture.
Machu Picchu - An Inca city built in the Andes mountains in the 15th Century and then abandoned.
UK tourist faces jail for Colosseum carving

Glossary
UNESCO - The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. It aims to promote international cooperation in the arts, education, science and culture.
Machu Picchu - An Inca city built in the Andes mountains in the 15th Century and then abandoned.