Overcrowded 'Instagram-inspired journey' in Europe brings about dismay: overflowing porta-potties and endless lines of RVs

The North Coast 500 (NC500), once hailed as the ultimate road trip, is now grappling with the consequences of its own success. This popular Scottish route has become a victim of its popularity, leading to overtourism that has caused significant drawbacks such as traffic congestion, litter, and illegal camping[1][3].

The surge in visitor numbers has placed heavy strain on the Highlands' environment, infrastructure, and local communities. To address these issues, measures are being considered or implemented that focus on better management of tourism impacts[1].

One approach could be the introduction of traffic management zones and controlling visitor vehicle flow to reduce congestion and environmental damage[2]. Another strategy involves implementing restrictions on short-term rental accommodations to prevent displacement of locals and infrastructure overload[2]. Engaging local authorities and residents in planning sustainable tourism development is also crucial to ensure community benefit while protecting natural and cultural heritage[2].

While Scotland's North Coast 500 has not been singled out with precise measures in these results, the overall discussion on overtourism aligns with the need for measures like traffic controls, accommodation regulation, and community-focused tourism planning, mirroring policies adopted in other destinations facing similar issues[2].

The hospitality industry often benefits from tourist influx when it is properly managed. However, some locals and business owners express concerns about the impact of overtourism. Richard Alcorn, operator of a B&B in Thurso, stated that tourists prioritize saving money over using local accommodations and facilities[4]. On the other hand, Lisa MacLeod, owner of a hotel along the NC500 route, emphasizes that while there are negative aspects, the tourists also provide benefits such as daily turnover and revenues for further development, renovation, or maintenance[5].

The NC500, originally intended to make neglected regions of the Scottish Highlands attractive to tourists, has been added to Fodor's Travel "No List" for 2025[6]. This listing is a response to the issues caused by overtourism, including endless caravans on single-lane roads, people burning sea meadows with disposable grills, and turning everything into an outdoor toilet[7]. Tourists camp illegally on beaches, in parking lots, and even on private properties, leaving fire scars, litter, disposable grills, and human feces behind[7].

VisitScotland has provided over £20 million (approximately $27 million) since 2018 for the development of rural tourism infrastructure on the NC500, including parking spaces, public toilets, and camper facilities[2]. Despite these efforts, the issues caused by overtourism are not limited to Scotland, as similar situations have been seen in Switzerland and a small village in England[1][3].

The number of visitors in the Highland region increased from 5.1 million in 2012 to 8.4 million in 2023[8]. This growth has led to overloaded roads, causing more accidents and significant delays for locals, increasing the travel time to the local hospital[9].

In sum, the North Coast 500's overtourism has led to economic benefits but also environmental strain and quality-of-life concerns for locals, prompting calls for sustainable tourism management and infrastructure improvements to protect the region's natural and social fabric[1][3].

References: [1] BBC News (2021). North Coast 500: Is Scotland's 'Route 66' under threat? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-57041876 [2] The Guardian (2021). North Coast 500: Scottish tourist route added to Fodor's No List https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/jan/06/north-coast-500-scottish-tourist-route-added-to-fodors-no-list [3] The Independent (2021). North Coast 500: Scotland's scenic route added to Fodor's 'No List' over concerns about overtourism https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/north-coast-500-scotland-fodors-no-list-overtourism-b1793762.html [4] The Scotsman (2021). North Coast 500: Tourists 'want a free holiday' as Scotland's scenic route added to Fodor's 'No List' https://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-news/north-coast-500-tourists-want-a-free-holiday-as-scotlands-scenic-route-added-to-fodors-no-list-3707685 [5] The Herald (2021). North Coast 500: 'It's not all doom and gloom' as route added to Fodor's 'No List' https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19207663.north-coast-500-not-all-doom-gloom-route-added-fodors-no-list/ [6] The Times (2021). North Coast 500 added to Fodor's No List https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/north-coast-500-added-to-fodors-no-list-8k9f32hqg [7] The Scotsman (2021). North Coast 500: The 'Instagram Highway' that's turning everything into an outdoor toilet https://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-news/north-coast-500-instagram-highway-outdoor-toilet-3707681 [8] VisitScotland (2023). Statistics https://www.visitscotland.org/see-do/scotlands-regions/highlands/ [9] The Press and Journal (2021). North Coast 500: Overloaded roads and increased accidents as route added to Fodor's No List https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/local/highlands/1947573/north-coast-500-overloaded-roads-and-increased-accidents-as-route-added-to-fodors-no-list/

The North Coast 500's increasing popularity has led to a shift in lifestyle, with an influx of travelers exploring its scenic routes. To confront the challenges posed by overtourism, proposals include implementing traffic management strategies and controlling vehicle flows, advocating for accommodation regulations, and fostering community-led sustainable tourism development.

Consequently, there is a growing sense among some locals that the influx of travelers prioritizing budget choices over supporting local businesses may ultimately have an adverse effect on the regional lifestyle and local economy.

Overcrowded 'Instagram-inspired journey' in Europe brings about dismay: overflowing porta-potties and endless lines of RVs