'Hawaii of Europe': Azores seek to avoid pitfalls of mass tourism • FRANCE 24 English

This summer, many towns in Europe protested the arrival of tourists. In Spain, some locals even sprayed water guns to deter visitors. But one gem, dubbed the "Hawaii of Europe", has taken drastic measures to avoid overtourism. Faial Island, in the heart of Portugal's Azores archipelago, is a lush tropical landscape, home to a variety of species. For a long time, this volcanic island has remained a secret, but with its growing popularity, authorities are keen to keep it protected from the dangers of mass tourism. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Lauren Bain.

[R_daSilva]

Locals are struggling to live there. Its not your zoo

[marieta.s]

In my experience once locals start making money from tourism they will demand less restrictions, rules etc. the. Things will go out of hand.

[Personna]

I'd loved if it was true but in islands like S. Miguel and Terceira tourism has grown far beyond the capabilities of the islands infrstructure...

[aerialworldvisions]

How can you talk about the Azores if you only cover a small piece of Faial island? You're not portraying the whole archipelgo's reality. Locals are already suffering with the consequences of tourism and outside investors. Everything is getting much more expensive for us. And the government.. well it's doing pretty much what the government does, almost nothing about it.

[FlavioRosa-jvgd]

Some informations are not true! 4 flys by day and number of hotels!

[IOSALive]

FRANCE 24 English, amazing content keep it up dude

[ryanwalters]

Mass tourism is welcome in South Carolina.

If you're looking to party, go to Myrtle Beach.

If you're looking for history, southern culture, A walkable European type city and world class food culture go to Charleston.

If you want golf, relaxation and biking go to Hilton Head.

The only thing we're missing is the winter sports. 😂 Because it's '50s and '70s during the winter mostly.

[IOSALive]

FRANCE 24 English, cool video it was really entertaining

[Tonystarkes]

Azores are Atlantis so it should be a tourist spot

[bipl]

No it IS NOT.
Canary Islands get 16, 000, 000 tourists a year. 8 x the local population.
Hawaii only 10, 000, 000