Bye bye backpackers — hello culture buffs?

 Goodbye backpackers – hello culture buffs?

Imagine the perfect vacationer from the perspective of the host city or country: ideally, this tourist should come in the off-season - not in the crowded peak season - be interested in the local culture and people, respect the environment, have great manners, tact and refrain from littering . Not only that. In a perfect world, this tourist would also be loyal and return year after year spending as much money as possible.

"We no longer want to measure the success of tourism by the mere number of visitors, but also by other qualitative criteria," states the current concept of Berlin tourism, for example. After German reunification, Berlin experienced a rapid tourist boom. For some, this development has paid off handsomely, while for others it has caused considerable inconvenience. Christian Tänzler of the city's marketing agency visitBerlin says that as time goes on, Berlin locals are increasingly irritated by mass tourism. "For a long time, we focused exclusively on visitor growth," says Tänzler. But if tourism is to be sustainable, he adds, it must carefully balance the needs of tourists and local residents.

The hope is that ordinary residents will also benefit from vacationers spending money in the city. And that tourists will not increase the cost of living in the city. In addition, there are plans to ensure that tourism offers meet certain quality standards and that the carbon footprint of tourism should be minimized as much as possible.

There are now a number of tools available to make this a reality. One of them is the visitBerlin "Going Local" app, which allows vacationers to find trips off the beaten track, far from the city's most visited sights. It is hoped that this will prevent tourists from congregating in the same places and instead spread out across the city. The app targets visitors who are genuinely interested in Berlin and want to really get to know the city. "And that doesn't automatically mean a more expensive vacation," says Tänzler, adding that their strategy of promoting high-quality tourism doesn't mean visitors will necessarily have to pay for premium services.

Barcelona, ​​sore under the pressure of mass tourism, is also thinking about big changes. Many in the Catalan capital would like to see fewer backpackers, who tend to stay in cheap hostels and party on Barcelona's beaches. There has been a deliberate effort to modernize the city's hotels, making them more expensive, thereby discouraging party tourists.

However, such steps do not always go according to plan, as the example of Mallorca shows. For many years, the authorities have tried to rid the popular Mediterranean island of noisy tourists, among other things, by upgrading hotels in Mallorca. As a result, the number of four- and five-star establishments has increased on the island. In the early 1980s, one to three-star hotels dominated the market. Today, they make up only about a third of the accommodation offered. Particularly popular with German partygoers, Playa de Palma hoped to attract a wealthier and more discerning clientele. Today, however, most agree that this effort has failed. Despite the sharp increase in the cost of hotel rooms

Italy's famous Venice lagoon city also wants to better manage visitor flows, as unregulated mass tourism has caused problems for years. The length of stay is also important, a spokesman for the Venice municipality told DW. "We want visitors to Venice to tune in to its soul and unique rhythm." According to the spokesperson, one single day is definitely not enough.

high-end tourism comes at a cost, says Jürgen Schmude, professor of tourism economics at the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, Germany. In most destinations, he says, high-quality tourism equates to a certain amount of revenue per vacationer. However, focusing on this type of tourism risks making travel an elitist affair that only certain segments of the population can afford, he warns. In certain sectors of the tourism industry, such as ski holidays, this development has already forced many ordinary people out of the market. "Nowadays, not everyone can afford a ski trip."

But Berlin insists that tourists should not be judged solely by how much money they spend in the city. "That's not our approach," emphasizes Berlin visitor Christian Tänzler. He says the city also tracks how many vacationers visit the city's 160 museums, which shows interest in its cultural offerings.

There is a significant shift in the ever-evolving landscape of travel trends. The once-dominant culture of backpackers is gradually giving way to a new wave of explorers - cultural enthusiasts. This transformation marks a profound change in the way people engage with travel experiences, placing greater emphasis on cultural immersion, meaningful connections and authentic encounters. In this article, we dive into this emerging trend and explore why more and more travelers are saying goodbye to backpacking and embracing different cultures.

As the world becomes increasingly connected, travelers seek deeper and more meaningful connections with the places they visit. This shift has led to the rise of cultural enthusiasts, individuals who are passionate about understanding and experiencing the authentic essence of a destination. Unlike traditional backpackers, who often focused on cheap travel and ticking off popular tourist attractions, culture lovers immerse themselves in local traditions, art, cuisine and daily life.

Culture enthusiasts prefer real cultural experiences to fleeting photo opportunities. They choose homestays and community accommodation to work closely with local people and understand their way of life. Instead of skimming the surface, these travelers attend workshops, attend local festivals, and participate in traditional ceremonies, gaining insights beyond what the guides offer.

For culture lovers, tasting local cuisine is not just food – it is a journey through history and traditions. Exploring street food markets, taking cooking classes and dining with local families are part of their culinary exploration. By savoring the flavors of the region, these travelers create a deeper connection with its people and their stories.

A key aspect that sets culture lovers apart is their dedication to preserving cultural heritage. They actively seek out artisans and craftsmen, learn traditional arts and support local economies. By purchasing handmade souvenirs directly from the makers, these travelers play a vital role in maintaining centuries-old practices.

While tourism often emphasizes meeting other travelers, cultural enthusiasts are equally interested in connecting with locals. Language exchanges, volunteer opportunities, and longer stays in one place allow them to form lasting friendships and make positive contributions to the communities they visit.

The rise of the internet and social media has greatly influenced travel trends. Culture enthusiasts use these tools not only to plan trips, but also to connect with local influencers and activists. This digital bridge allows them to gain insider insights and gain access to hidden gems that may have eluded traditional backpackers.

Culture enthusiasts are at the forefront of sustainable and responsible travel. Their focus on the protection of culture is naturally related to the ethical practices of the tourism industry. They favor environmentally friendly accommodation, minimize their ecological footprint and support initiatives that benefit local communities and the environment.

The shift from tourism to cultural exploration marks an exciting development in the world of travel. While tourism will always have its place, the rise of cultural enthusiasts shows a growing desire for deeper, authentic and meaningful experiences. As travelers say goodbye to the conventional and welcome culture, one thing is clear: the journey is now as rewarding as the destination itself. So are you ready to put on your culture geek hat and explore the world with fresh, culturally attuned eyes?