“Mass tourism is not only a sustainability issue related to climate change, but it also impacts local residents by driving up the cost of living and creating nuisances for the community. However, tourism can positively impact local communities, and experiencing different cultures is crucial for understanding and accepting social and cultural differences. But what's the point if you're only experiencing things you could find on any digital platform?

Today, an increasing number of individuals travel the world on inexpensive flights, living in AirBnb that outcompete local residents. Tourists flock to popular destinations and overshare their experiences, flooding social media with nearly identical images of iconic sights. Many of these travelers perceive themselves as culturally enlightened, believing that their experiences afford them a deeper understanding of other countries and cultures. However, can one truly immerse themselves in “a new place and culture” while standing among swarms of tourists in locations rarely frequented by locals?

From my perspective, it's akin to browsing images on Google or viewing clichéd tourist photos on social media. The experience and learning remain identical. So, the question arises: Why? Why does the tourism industry perpetuate this cycle? Ultimately, these are merely buildings or places, much like any other. Why does tourism revolve around monuments and landmarks that end up plastered across social media, rather than fostering genuine experiences of a country as it truly is, beyond the constructs fabricated by tourism?”