Overbooked: The Exploding Business of Travel and Tourism
Elizabeth Becker
Washington, DC—On November 12, 2013, author and journalist Elisabeth Becker spoke to WFPG at an Authors Series event about her new book, Overbooked: The Exploding Business of Travel and Tourism. In her remarks, Becker outlined the global impact of the growing travel industry, including its environmental, political, and economic effects. Calling it a "double-edged sword", she outlined several success stories and failures. When done “right”, like in France, tourism benefits the people of the country and protects cultural sites and local heritage. Becker explained that this type of success requires close government involvement and regulation. Becker also cautioned that when not strictly regulated, tourism can cause more harm than good, as has been the case in Venice, which has been overrun by tourists. She also commented on the disastrous impact of the cruise industry on the environment and for the economies of destination ports. This event was moderated by WFPG President Patricia Ellis and was hosted by Consul General Koula Sophianou at the Cyprus House.
