New documentary spotlights overtourism's detrimental impact on environment and wildlife

New documentary spotlights overtourism’s detrimental impact on environment and wildlife

March 21, 2023

An award-winning documentary launched in Australia today - ‘The Last Tourist’ - spotlights overtourism's detrimental impact on the environment and wildlife and delivers a candid exploration filmed across 16 countries featuring UN Messenger of Peace, Dr. Jane Goodall.

Overtourism describes destinations where hosts or guests, locals or visitors feel that there are too many visitors and that the quality of life in the area, or the quality of the experience has deteriorated unacceptably.

Launching in Australia today on Prime Video, Apple iTunes, Google Play and Microsoft, ‘The Last Tourist’ addresses the real impact of mass tourism as it traverses 16 different countries, magnifying its impact on the environment, wildlife, and vulnerable communities. With borders reopening around the world and post-pandemic travel resuming at a fast pace, it’s an apt time to reflect on what the pause in mass tourism taught us, and to reassess how travel can return in a more responsible and conscious way.

Amassing more than 400 hours of footage during filming, ‘The Last Tourist’ empowers audiences with the knowledge and inspiration to make a positive impact - and to fundamentally change the way they travel - by examining the history of modern tourism and revealing its consequences.

The documentary explores alarming issues such as orphaned children exploited for profit, animals suffering for entertainment and developing economies strained under the weight of foreign-owned hotel chains, "all-inclusive" holiday packages and the impact of the cruise industry on a destination.

During the cinematic journey, viewers will also meet local heroes who leverage tourism to preserve cultural heritage, sustain wildlife, and support the social and economic wellbeing of communities.

Executive produced by Bruce Poon Tip, the founder of community tourism pioneer and adventure operator, G Adventures, and directed and written by Tyson Sadler, the documentary features leading travel and tourism visionaries including (pictured above) Dr. Jane Goodall (Jane Goodall Institute, United Nations Messenger of Peace), Lek Chailert (Save Elephant Foundation), Gary Knell (National Geographic), Meenu Vadera (Sakha Cabs For Women) and Melissa Matlow (World Animal Protection).

Poon Tip said that his vision for the documentary came well before the pandemic, but the timing of the documentary’s release in Australia could not be more relevant with the world’s borders reopening and people looking to travel with more purpose and intention.

“The Last Tourist demonstrates what a dire state the industry was in pre-pandemic, and recommends tangible ways travellers can use their personal power to have a positive impact as the world reopens to international travel and Australians start travelling abroad in significant numbers again.

“We wanted to bring this message, which is illustrated by a series of life-changing stories, to life on the big screen and at the same time expose some of the often well-intentioned but harmful practices many tourism experiences support. I ask that everyone who travels watches this important film and spreads the word about a better way to travel."

Rated the number two documentary on Apple TV in Canada when it launched last year, The Last Tourist is available to stream via Prime Video, Apple iTunes, Google Play and Microsoft from 21st March 2023.

For more information on The Last Tourist, please visit www.thelasttouristfilm.com

16th March 2023 - New report lists recommendations to improve sustainability within China’s Tourism industry

22nd January 2023 - New WTTC and Trip.com Group report reveals rising demand for sustainable tourism

18th January 2023 - Singapore tourism expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels as of next year

28th December 2022 - Chinese Government’s announcement of easing of pandemic border measures prompts rush of overseas travel bookings

28th April 2020 - GlobalData warns China’s tourism industry of encouraging premature mass tourism

7th October 2022 - Maya Bay reopened but with resorts maintaining significant focus on sustainability

17th May 2022 - Thailand’s Maya Bay reopens to visitors after four-year closure

28th October 2021 - Global Wellness Summit reports that fighting overtourism moves from talk to action

3rd October 2018 - Overtourism leads to indefinite closure of iconic Thai bay

18th February 2022 - Dr Jane Goodall sends birthday message of hope to Monarto Safari Park chimpanzee

22nd May 2019 - Jane Goodall visits Adelaide Zoo and shares her thoughts on climate change

12th November 2014 - David Attenborough and Jane Goodall back campaign for a new national park in Victoria

12th June 2014 - Dr Jane Goodall launches World Parks Congress education program

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