UK Villages Experience 'Overtourism' Leading to Traffic Congestion and Local Frustration
Picturesque villages in the UK, including Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds, and Salcombe in Devon, are experiencing significant issues due to 'overtourism' during bank holiday weekends. Residents report severe traffic bottlenecks, overflowing car parks, and a general disruption to their daily lives. Kris Watts, a 71-year-old resident of Bibury, stated that she no longer visits the village center on weekends due to the overwhelming number of tourists and coaches. She noted that the situation has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic, with up to ten large coaches arriving daily in the village, which has a population of only 600. Many visitors, often influenced by social media, spend an average of just 40 minutes in the area, bringing little economic benefit but causing considerable inconvenience. Locals also report issues with tourists venturing onto private property and engaging in activities that harm local wildlife, such as paddling in protected rivers. The sheer volume of visitors has made si... 
