During hot weather, Brighton is descended on by tourists wanting to spend some time by the seaside – but locals aren’t all that keen. As temperatures soared to some of the hottest levels seen so far this year over the weekend, Brits packed out the UK’s coastal towns and cities.
A TikTok user (@Taylamepham1) posted a video of Brighton Beach, showing the sand and sea jam-packed with tourists, with little free space visible. One commenter said it was their “worst nightmare” whilst another asked if people who go to the beach on hot days “genuinely find it fun?”.
They added: “I love the beach, but I just can’t imagine wanting to put myself in this situation.”
A Reddit user asked how Brighton locals deal with how busy their city gets, and most had the same answer as one user: “You avoid the beach between the two piers and anywhere within a five-minute walk of West Street. Everywhere else is fine. For some reason, the bad tourists only visit the naff bits of town and leave the good parts to us.”
A report by the University of Brighton’s Professor Marina Novelli said that overtourism could cause “the loss of authenticity” and pose a “significant risk to the future attractiveness of a destination”.
It went on to say it could damage landscapes, seascapes, air and water quality, and residents’ living conditions, causing economic inequalities and social exclusion.
The number of tourists visiting Brighton (nearly 10 million a year) is so overwhelming that local authorities have considered introducing a tourist tax of £5 a day, which could be added to parking costs, train tickets, or a special app.
Caroline Cartellieri, from travel insurance and assistance company Europ Assistance, suggested that a tourist tax for those visiting Brighton could potentially quell tourism issues in the area.
“As overtourism continues to challenge popular UK seaside destinations like Brighton, innovative solutions are crucial,” Cartelleri told the Daily Express.
Cartellieri claimed that day-trippers do not contribute much to the local economy as they often bring their own food and leave behind litter, but a tourist tax could help limit overcrowding and encourage tourists to spread out more in the city rather than in busy areas.
Councillor Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, told The Independent last year that “Brighton & Hove is not challenged by tourism; we welcome it.
“As the sunniest city in England and Wales and somewhere with beautiful beaches, amazing culture, arts, sport, a packed calendar of events, and the scenic South Downs, we’re a top travel destination all year round.”
