Cyriacus of Ancona had itchy feet. He was the first tourist to travel around Europe's historical sites.¹ Others followed 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 be fined and sent to 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 "universal value." Italy's most popular tourist site attracts six million visitors a year.

But are too many sight-seers doing more harm than good?

Many destinations depend on tourism. During the pandemic, people stayed at home and over 100 million jobs were put at risk.

But some 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. VeniceA seaport in Italy. It is built on many small islands. has banned cruise ships blamed for damaging the city's foundations.

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 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.

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.