Bruges, the stunning cobblestone, canal city is hit by summertime tourism and has hit the ‘red line’. The city hosts nearly eight million visitors every year, most during the summer months. But this time Bruges is hit with over tourism which has left residents baffled. However, they are not against tourism, as it is one thing that brings in the money.

However, the residents believe that things need to be balanced. Now that the Bruges tourism level is back to pre-Covid levels, things are getting out of hand. There are cruise ships docking in nearby Zeebrugge port and causing passengers a lot of trouble.

Credit: iStockBruges is one of Europe’s most fascinating historical canal cities. Venice and Amsterdam too are going through the cruise situation and have both taken steps to bar cruise ships. In fact, UNESCO has recommended putting Venice on its endangered list because of over-tourism.

Bruges and the Greek island of Rhodes are also on the list of the most overcrowded European destinations. Not only these, but Dubrovnik in Croatia is also hit badly by over tourism.

The tourist authority in Bruges, said the mobile devices show that daily there are 131 visitors per 100 inhabitants.

Credit: iStockA spokeswoman from tourism agency, Ann Plovie, said, “Bruges is often referred to as a mass tourism destination, but it isn’t. “This is like a bit (of a) misconception that the city is overcrowded. Indeed, I can’t deny that there are many tourists, but you should come on different periods and then you would see also the difference.”

Back in 2019, Bruges had to introduce a five-year strategy to boost overnight stays to attract visitors and create interest in cultural and gastronomic experiences rather than taking selfies.