'Venice of the Cotswolds' plagued by 'overtourism nightmare' as locals face 'threats of violence'

Locals have faced 'threats of violence'

Cotswold chiefs have pledged to tackle “overtourism nightmare” affecting Bourton-on-the-Water as villagers have to put up with a coach parking “free for all” and angry visitors. The picturesque village - dubbed the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ - is among the areas so popular with tourists, Cotswold District Council actively avoids promoting the place.

Being full of tourists is a familiar sight for Bourton but parking and traffic congestion problems have been exacerbated this year by the closure of the designated parking area for coaches. Villagers complain the coach parking 'free for all' is causing traffic nightmares and some faced 'threats of violence' from angry visitors during busy times earlier this year.

The issue of over tourism affecting Bourton was recognised by District Council leaders at the last full council meeting. Councillor Jon Wareing (LD, Bourton Village), who anticipates it will be another busy bank holiday weekend for the village, asked council leaders for a commitment to ensuring sustainable tourism for the village.

Read More - New Greggs drive-thru opens in Bristol

MORE NEWS:Work to restart on Bristol's biggest stalled development

“The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines overtourism as ‘the impact of tourism on a destination, or parts thereof, that excessively influences perceived quality of life of citizens and/or quality of visitor experiences in a negative way’,” he said. “Does the cabinet member responsible for the economy and council transformation agree with me that Bourton-on the-Water suffers from over-tourism on this basis?

"And will he commit to ensuring that Bourton can develop an approach to sustainable tourism while building a more resilient economy with retail services for the residents of Bourton and the wider North Cotswolds? This should include prioritising parking for residents and looking to support parking for visitor traffic on the periphery of the village.”

Council leader Joe Harris (LD, St Michael’s), responding on behalf of economy and council transformation cabinet member Tony Dale (LD, Northleach), said he shares the concerns about over-tourism in Bourton-on-the-Water. He said the village is a popular destination, evidenced by high visitor footfall.

“While we lack specific survey data on perceptions of over-tourism, we acknowledge the strong sentiments of residents regarding the negative impacts on their quality of life due to excessive visitor numbers. Balancing the needs of local businesses benefiting from tourism with the quality of life of residents is crucial.”

He said his administration has taken initial steps to address the issue including a tourism levy on parking specifically allocated for initiatives to mitigate the impact of tourism on the village And visitor dispersal and public transport promotion.

“Our tourism team actively discourages additional visitors to Bourton and promotes other parts of the district to spread the visitor load. We also encourage the use of public transport whenever possible.”

However, he said more comprehensive measures are needed to tackle the issue and the chief executive will arrange a meeting with Cllr Wareing to discuss the issue and develop effective strategies for the villate. “The ongoing review of our local plan may offer opportunities to influence planning policy in favour of sustainable tourism.

“Cotswold District Council is reviewing its parking strategy to optimise the use of council assets for the benefit of both residents and the local economy. Input from residents, town and parish councils, and visitors has been sought to address immediate and long-term needs.

“Cllr Paul Hodgkinson (LD, Chedworth and Churn Valley) , who is leading this effort, is well-versed in the issues facing Bourton as the local county councillor. Collaboration with Gloucestershire County Council will be essential in addressing broader parking issues.

“While there is no simple solution to the problems outlined by Cllr Wareing, Cotswold District Council is committed to supporting Bourton-on-the-Water in its pursuit of sustainable tourism and a more resilient local economy.”