Seven villages you pay for the privilege of visiting – are they worth the entry fee?
- From Nusfjord, in Norway, to Thailand’s long neck village of Huai Sua Tao, find out what makes these places special
- While some are celebrated for their authenticity and attractiveness, others have been accused of being ‘human zoos’
Only a few short months ago, overtourism was to blame for ruining a number of the world’s most popular holiday spots. Now, with half the world under some form of lockdown, cities, seaside resorts and natural ecosystems have the opportunity to heal and recover. Sooner or later, however, the multibillion-dollar tourism industry will dust itself down and set about enticing us to start travelling again.
What that will look like is unclear at present. Restrictions will be eased in stages and countries deemed to be managing the crisis are sure to be popular with risk-averse visitors. Flight costs may go up, especially if middle seats are left empty to help passengers distance, socially or otherwise, but in an initial mismatch of supply and demand, many hotels, Airbnbs and other lodging options are likely to offer discounts.
Deals might also extend to entrance fees for theme parks, museums and national parks. Authorities in Venice, Italy, have already abandoned plans to introduce a tourist tax – and they won’t be the last destination to do so. Then there are the villages considered to be so attractive, authentic or otherwise desirable that we have grudgingly paid an admission fee to have a nose around. Time will tell if any of the following temporarily reduce or even scrap their entry charges.
Nusfjord is an immaculately preserved fishing village in Norway’s bewitching Lofoten Islands. In the mid-19th century, more than 1,500 men stayed here, in wooden cabins, during the cod fishing season. Today, the population is down to 22, outnumbered (until recently) by dozens of daily tour groups. The cabins, which are built on stilts over the water, have been spruced up and rented out.
Historical buildings that are the attractions on a DIY village walking tour include the general store, a cod liver oil factory, a blacksmith, a smokery (for smoking salmon) and a whaling museum. A coastal hiking trail links Nusfjord with the tiny settlement of Nesland. Allow five hours to complete the round trip.