Waitangi and the Matapōuri Mermaid Pools are among 98 destinations marked on a new global map of places suffering from overtourism. "What we've found is staggering - reports from 98 destinations in 63 countries of places that are suffering under the strains of overtourism," the company said. The research has been compiled into an interactive map marking the sometimes surprising destinations struggling with large numbers of tourists. The mermaid pools officially closed to the public in April with iwi putting a rāhui tapu in place after they were discovered to have been damaged by urine and sunscreen. Responsible Travel notes that the map uncovers only "the tip of the iceberg", noting that overtourism in many places is under-reported or not reported on at all.

Source: Stuff May 23, 2019 22:24 UTC