Acapulco, Mexico then
If you can remember the Four Tops’ 1988 song Loco in Acapulco, you’ll remember that the Mexican coastal city was once considered one of the most desirable vacation destinations around, particularly to American tourists. These days, however, the one-time luxurious city is overrun not by tourists but drug cartels and gun crime.
Acapulco, Mexico now
Today, Acapulco is considered the murder capital of Mexico, with the Drug War having spilled onto its resorts and beaches, most notably in a 2009 battle between cartel members and soldiers that took place in the Old Acapulco seaside area. Unsurprisingly, the tourism industry there has taken a hit, with the number of international tourists flying to the city between 2006 and 2015 dropping by 85%.
Beirut, Lebanon then
Once, Beirut was known as the ‘Paris of the Middle East,’ a glamorous hot spot boasting luxurious, upmarket hotels and restaurants aplenty. This all changed following the 1975 Lebanese civil war, which turned the city from a tourist paradise into a nightmare of bullets and bombs – and the city’s fortunes have only worsened since.
Beirut, Lebanon now
Further trouble in recent decades means that none but the boldest tourists venture to Beirut nowadays. In 2020, an enormous explosion at the Port of Beirut killed 200 people, made 300,000 more homeless and left a large part of the city in ruins, with the damage still not repaired to this day.
Hong Kong then
The Chinese territory of Hong Kong was officially ruled by Britain from 1841 to 1997 (discounting a few years during World War II). Back in the day, it was quite the tourist destination, but things have changed since it returned to Chinese rule, with the trouble really escalating in the last few years.
Hong Kong now
Tension between Hong Kong residents and mainland China has at times boiled over, with a series of citywide protests most recently lasting from March 2019 to November 2020. It’s not just the demonstrations that make it less attractive to tourists: the air quality in Hong Kong has also deteriorated, with the smoggy pollution there now the worst it’s ever been.
Chacaltaya, Bolivia then
When we mention Bolivia, skiing isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. Still, the South American country houses officially the highest ski resort on the world on the mountain Chacaltaya, which stands 17,634 feet above sea level. Bolivians treasured this Andes ski resort as it was just an hour and a half away from Le Paz, one of the country’s capital cities.
Chacaltaya, Bolivia now
The fun wasn’t to last forever. In 2009, the glacier on Chacaltaya completely melted, leaving the once flourishing resort a harsh, barren wasteland where it’s now impossible to ski. A devastating example of climate change, the entire mountain is now guarded by a select group of locals. Tourists are scarce and attractions are slim.
Jersey Shore, New Jersey, USA then
Like a lot of boardwalk beach towns, lined with arcades, amusement parks and water parks, the Jersey Shore had a certain glamour to it. It was not a decaying punchline with antiquated attractions and a belligerent clientele. Families flocked to this beach – where kids would play in the water, cool off and grab a hot dog all within a few minutes – and revelled in the aesthetic glory of it.
Jersey Shore, New Jersey, USA now
Small screen fame is a double-edged sword. The worldwide profile of New Jersey’s Jersey Shore has risen exponentially since the reality TV series of the same name began in 2009, and this has seen a massive influx in tourism to the area. Alas, the less-than-sophisticated nature of the show has tainted the area in the eyes of many, making it far less upmarket than before.
Socotra, Yemen then
A small island in the Indian Ocean noted for its otherworldly landscape, Socotra was for a time able to avoid the ravages of the civil war on the Yemen mainland. With its 20 million-year-old trees, Socotra attracted many visitors. Only recently, it had gotten the YouTube vlogger treatment, and people were encouraging tourists to visit not just the island of Socotra but the wider archipelago.
Socotra, Yemen now
Unfortunately, things went sideways for Socotra when a pair of cyclones devastated the island in 2015. Since then a military presence has been installed on the island, largely killing off a once-thriving tourist industry. Gradually, under the eye of the UAE, Socotra may be on the brink of opening back up as a stable tourist destination.
Varosha, Cyprus then
The Mediterranean island of Cyprus still has a thriving tourist industry, and at one time Varosha in the city of Famagusta was the island’s most popular spot. The population eventually grew to 39,000 at its height and was considered a getaway for the millionaires and playboys of the day. Elizabeth Taylor, Raquel Welch and Brigitte Bardot were among the names that used to frequent Varosha.
Varosha, Cyprus now
Things changed in 1974 when Turkey invaded, prompting thousands to flee. To this day, Cyprus is divided, while the once-luxurious Varosha remains fenced off and abandoned. Still, the town may be slowly opening up again: in October 2020, the beach area was re-opened to tourists, with the decision supported by Turkey’s President Erdogan.
Villa Epecuén, Argentina then
Once a bustling tourist village in Buenos Aires Province, Villa Epecuén was formerly the home of a popular spa resort utilising the mineral-rich waters of Lake Epecuén. An Englishman leased the place and convinced Italian scientists to back his marketing ploy that the lake had healing powers. It paid off. Tourists flocked to Villa Epecuén in their thousands every year.
Villa Epecuén, Argentina now
Tragically, the source of the resort’s livelihood was also the root of its downfall when a terrible flood hit in 1985, leaving the village completely underwater. It remains largely submerged and totally uninhabited today. Various documentaries and shows have been made about the area. In 2010, a film starring Amber Heard called And Soon the Darkness used the Villa as a location.
Guairá Falls, Paraguay/Brazil then
Formed at the Parana River on the border of Brazil and Paraguay, the Guairá Falls produced the greatest volume of falling water anywhere in the world. Such was the power of these waterfalls, their sound could be heard from 20 miles away. If that wasn’t awe-inspiring enough, a rainbow constantly hovered over the site.
Guairá Falls, Paraguay/Brazil now
The sad fate of Guairá Falls stands as a cautionary tale of the very real threat industrial development poses to the natural world. Once an awe-inspiring series of waterfalls along the border of Brazil and Paraguay, this natural landmark and popular tourist spot simply ceased to exist following the construction of the Itaipu Dam in 1982, which completely submerged the falls and surrounding area.
Maya Bay, Thailand then
Maya Bay is an incredibly stunning bay sheltered by 100-metre-high cliffs on three sides. There are several beaches to enjoy there, though most are small and certain ones only exist at low tide. The main beach, the one most now flock to, is 200 metres long with white, delicate sand. Maya Bay has always been a treasure, but it wasn’t anywhere near as popular in the 20th century.
Maya Bay, Thailand now
Once considered one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world, Maya Bay eventually came to the attention of a wide audience after it was featured in the 2000 Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach. A surge in tourist interest meant boat traffic and water pollution increased exponentially, trashing the ecosystem. Maya Bay has since been largely closed in hopes of letting the natural landscape recover.
Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel, New York then
The Catskill Mountains have long been the go-to destination for rich New Yorkers looking to take a break. One resort here is even where they filmed the iconic 1987 film Dirty Dancing. Operated by Jennie Grossinger, it expanded to 35 buildings which contained a dining room capable of seating 1,300 and an underground nightclub called the Terrace Room. When he was fighting, Rocky Marciano would train here.
Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel, New York now
Grossinger died in 1972, signalling the decline of Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel. Throughout the 1980s, the resort failed to attract half as many young guests. By 2018, most of the 35 buildings were demolished. Weirdly enough, the golf course remained open and functioning for years following the decline of Grossinger’s.
The Hampton Springs Hotel, Florida then
This iconic grand hotel once attracted so many people, many of whom were high calibre, that it had to expand quickly. The hotel milked the Florida springs for everything they were worth, claiming that they had medicinal powers. By the 1930s, science had largely disproved this. Even so, the guests kept turning up in their droves
The Hampton Springs Hotel, Florida now
Tragedy struck The Hampton Springs Hotel in the 50s when a fire broke out and irreparably damaged the building. It was abandoned, and while it no longer functions as a hotel, guests can wander around the area and see the sulphuric springs that once made it so popular.
Tehran, Iran then
While it is currently one of Iran’s leading holiday destinations, Tehran used to be a sought-after location for international travellers, too. Iran’s White Revolution – ie one without bloodshed – in 1963 paved the way for social liberties in the country. Women were allowed to vote, among other things. Many supported this progression. Others didn’t.
Tehran, Iran now
Following its 1979 revolution, Iran’s booming tourism industry stalled, and it hasn’t recovered since. Political strife has led to many countries including the US placing sanctions on Iran and many international airlines pulling direct flights to the location altogether in 2018.
Haludovo Palace Hotel, Croatia then
In 1971, the futuristic hotel of Haludovo Palace Hotel was opened in Croatia. The design was unique and modern, and definitely a luxury destination worthy of famous guests and rich holidaymakers. Designed by Boris Magas, the resort consisted of a central building, the Hotel Palace, the Hotel Tamaris, two groups of atrium-bungalows, a beach bar, a chain of two-storey apartment houses, a detached reception building and a fishermen’s village with a small port.
Haludovo Palace Hotel, Croatia now
In 1991, war broke out in Yugoslavia, signalling the end of the Haludovo as a retreat for the rich and famous. In the 1990s, the complex became a shelter for refugees. In the 2000s, it was bought by a Russian-Armenian offshore company based in Cyprus, and since 2002, the majority of the complex has been vacant. Today, what remains of Haludovo is one of the most famous abandoned attractions in the country.
Tskaltubo, Georgia then
Soviet elites were fond of luxurious holidays and breaks, so it’s no wonder the glamorous spa town of Tskaltubo was so popular. Visited by powerful politicians like Joseph Stalin himself, it was a successful luxury destination for many years. At the height of Tskaltubo’s popularity, there were up to four trains per day running there from Moscow.
Tskaltubo, Georgia now
Tskaltubo thrived right up into the fall of the Soviets in the 1990s, after which it became abandoned, only utilized by urban explorers and photographers now. Not every resort in Tskaltbuo is abandoned, however. Some have ended up as safe havens for refugees, and believe it or not some of the bathhouses are still in use.
Coco Palm Resort, Hawaii then
After it was the location of the Elvis Presley film Blue Hawaii, you’d expect The Coco Palm Resort to be preserved as a historic luxury destination for tourists. After the success of the film, the Coco Palm became the go-to vacation destination for couples looking to either to tie the knot or sail down the iconic lagoon, or for Presley fans just looking to live like the King.
Coco Palm Resort, Hawaii now
In 1992, disaster struck when Hurricane Iniki did a number on the island. Over 9,000 homes were either completely destroyed or all but flattened, and the damages amounted to a whopping $3 billion in today’s money, rendering any hopes of a rebuild obsolete. Only the bones of the old Coco Palm resort remain.
Buck Hill Inn, Pocono Mountains, USA then
Throughout the 20th century, what had begun as a very simple and small inn grew in size and popularity dramatically. The Buck Hill Inn (found in the Poconos Mountains) was a favourite of holidaymakers for many years. The thousand-acre retreat featured amenities such as an amphitheatre, a 27-hole golf course, horseback riding, an indoor pool and tennis.
Buck Hill Inn, Pocono Mountains, USA now
Sadly, the appeal of the once-great Buck Hill Inn didn’t last. In 1990, the owners closed it for good. Several attempts have been made, and scuppered, in trying to resurrect the century-old resort to its former glory – if not just its former self. Unfortunately, Mother Nature has other plans. Vandals and opportunists have been gradually tearing away what remains of the inn.
Puerto Azul, Philippines then
Once nicknamed ‘The Golf Capital of the World’ the resort of Puerto Azul in the Philippines was designed to be a stunning holiday destination for decades to come. When it was operating at full capacity, the Puerto Azul resort boasted 300 rooms. The main attraction was its state-of-the-art golf course, which was actually designed by golfing legend Gary Player.
Puerto Azul, Philippines now
The fickle tastes of the rich meant that Puerto Azul was never destined to go the whole mile. The vacationers moved on as new resorts and golf courses opened in the area, killing off Azul altogether. The resort eventually ran into legal troubles and portions of the organisation had to shuttered. Thought some of Puerto Azul remains intact, most of it is abandoned.
Hotel del Salto, Colombia then
Sitting across from the stunning Tequendama Falls is the unique Hotel del Santo. Opened in 1928, it was once a favourite destination of the rich and famous, including many socialites. Originally built as a residential mansion in 1923 for hotshot local architect Carlos Arturo Tapias, the hotel would eventually welcome thousands of rich travellers for 60 years.
Hotel del Salto, Colombia now
Tragedy struck this hotel many times, however, including a rise in pollution of the Bogotá River and a spate of suicides, leading to a decrease in guests and its eventual closure. Legend has it that the indigenous Muisca Indians used to jump from Tequendama Falls, whereupon falling, they would transform into an eagle and fly to their freedom…
Ctesiphon, Iraq then
More of an ancient luxury destination, Ctesiphon was the capital of Iraq until the Arabs captured the city in 637 AD. Back in those times, the cream of the Iraqi crop would flock to Ctesiphon just as people today might flock to the Maldives or Bali. Ctesiphon went on to rule the roost for 800 years in the time of the Sasanian empire.
Ctesiphon, Iraq now
When Baghdad was named the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate in 762 CE, much of the population of the city moved out, leaving it to fall into ruins. The Arch of Ctesiphon is the last remaining remnant of the Persian capital, making it a must-see for history buffs – though one wonders what it would’ve been like to see it in its full pomp.
Hotel Monte Palace, Portugal then
When the Hotel Monte Palace finished construction in 1989, it was a thing of beauty. With the stunning design and sprawling layout with all the amenities a luxury holidaymaker could want, it was designed to be the ideal getaway. The large complex featured two restaurants, a bar, a nightclub, hairdressers, a bank, and 88 rooms that overlooked the Atlantic Ocean.
Hotel Monte Palace, Portugal now
18 months it took before the Monte Palace was abandoned. The owners declared bankruptcy and the hotel was left to the harsh elements. Why did it fail? The Azores was not yet a sought-out destination, being awkward to get to and more awkward to get around on. If guests didn’t have a car, their only choice was to stay in the resort.
Haiti then
The third largest country in the Caribbean used to be a favourite of holidaymakers, offering incredible weather, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. The height of Haiti tourism was between the 1940s and 1960s when it was branded as a cultural destination. However, under the Duvalier dictatorial administration (1957–1986), Haiti ceased to exist as a travel destination.
Haiti now
The 2010 earthquake (which led to the deaths of 250,000 people) and the ensuing political instability have driven tourists away from Haiti, even after the cities have been rebuilt. The Haitian tourist board is under great stress, but resilient to restore the country and its attractions back to its former glory. That’s something we’d all love to see.
Wedding Cake Rock, Australia then
Wedding Cake Rock, or White Rock, is a sandstone rock formation you can find in the Royal National Park near Bundeena, New South Wales. This natural wonder, named after the shape of a wedding cake, was only accessible via the Royal National Park Coast Track. It’s one of many rock formations that appear north of Marley Beach.
Wedding Cake Rock, Australia now
Wedding Cake Rock been closed to visitors for several years due to the fact that it could not handle further foot traffic. Wedding Cake Rock isn’t strong enough to handle the weight of so many tourists vying to grab that perfect shot atop it, and given it’s an 82-foot drop down to the sea, city officials recently decided to permanently close access.
Craco, Italy then
Southern Italy has long been an enviable holiday destination for luxurious trips. Craco in Basilicata was no different, with its dramatic landscape and buildings standing atop the hills. Way back when Craco was also a thriving community, in the 1200s, a university was even built there.
Craco, Italy now
A combination of earthquakes, landslides, and poor pipework destroyed Craco, leading to everyone fleeing the village in 1963 – including the locals. In 2007, the descendants of the emigrants of Craco formed a non-profit organisation called the Craco Society, which preserves the culture, traditions, and history of the commune.
Los Cabos, Mexico then
The Los Cabos area was remote until the latter 20th century, when the Mexican government began to develop it for tourism. They knew the killer combo of climate and geography, where the desert meets the sea, was a surefire thing. Suddenly, millions flocked to Los Cabos, hoping to go fishing and golfing in one day, before relaxing with a nice cocktail on the beach.
Los Cabos, Mexico now
When you’re traveling in unfamiliar areas, you may be warned about the safety precautions you should take. Los Cabos was once a very attractive tourist destination, but these tourists have been targeted in more recent years by criminals who see visitors as perfect targets for theft, making the location somewhat unsafe.
Masai Mara, Kenya then
Mara only covered 200 square miles of the current area when it was first established in 1961. The area quickly extended to cover 700 square miles, so it could be converted into a game reserve. In short, the demand for Masai Mara was a big deal. Part of the reserve was given National Reserve status in 1974 and the remaining 61 square miles was returned to local communities.
Masai Mara, Kenya now
Safaris in Masai Mara have experienced a dramatic boom in popularity in recent years, causing the area to become congested and ruining the serene, peaceful experience of safari. The overbooking of such excursions and the commercialization of them is started to put many holidaymakers off (that’s not to even mention rising ethical concerns).
The Maldives then
The Maldives is a favorite holiday destination of many of the rich and famous, including A-listers like Justin Beiber and the Kardashians. Famous for its myriad marine life, the Maldives is considered to be one of the best snorkelling and diving locations in the world. Tourists can swim freely in the Indian Ocean among the colourful arrays of corals, rays, sea turtles and reef sharks.
The Maldives now
Pretty soon, scientists predict that these areas so favoured by celebs will be completely eroded or ruined by climate change. By 2050, 80% of the Maldives may be uninhabitable, one of many sad cases of eco-disaster scare stories. If you’re young and have always been dreaming of visiting the Maldives, book your tickets while you can.
Venice, Italy then
Venice is one of, if not the, most recognisable cities on Earth. Unlike a lot of luxury destinations, Venice has been attracting visitors for hundreds of years. Admittedly, this did boom in the late 20th century with the advent of the European Union, which allowed people to travel effortlessly across the continent and beyond.
Venice, Italy now
There have been many campaigns run by business owners in Venice to ban cruise ships from docking by the city, due to the damage that they are doing to the island. Both the physical presence of the large ships and the huge influx of tourists to the areas are damaging. Plus, rising sea levels threaten to put Venice underwater within the next 100 years.
Magaluf, Spain then
Magaluf transformed itself into a tourist spot during the 1960s and 1970s. This fast growth brought the hoteliers huge profits and created hundreds and thousands of jobs for the local economy. Like a lot of holiday spots, Magaluf became a victim of its own success. Quantity soon overtook the importance of quality, turning it into a chaotic, overpopulated party capital.
Magaluf, Spain now
Public opinion of Magaluf has changed a lot over the years. While it was once a tasteful choice for a nice weekend away, the Spanish holiday town has become overrun with tourists – many of them more interested in drinking and partying than enjoying the stunning island of Majorca where Magaluf is located. These days, Majorca is largely known as a site of drunken shenanigans.
Varadero, Cuba then
Due to Cuba’s socialist government and rejection of US commercialism, Varadero was a stunning change of pace perfect for a getaway to enjoy vintage cars and drinks on the beach. It also restricted US citizens, who account for a huge per cent of the tourist industry. The flipside of this is that the location missed out on a lot of extra money.
Varadero, Cuba now
Today, Varadero paints a different picture. As Cuba strayed further from hardline communism, so did its attitude towards the fanny-packed American tourist. Once restrictions were lifted, the beaches and streets of Varadero became suffocating. The magic of this Cuban gem dimmed as a result. Maybe there’s hope for it in the future.
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam then
Vietnam is known for its stunning landscape, its vibrant culture, and incredible food. So it makes sense that a visit to Ho Chi Minh found its way on most travellers’ bucket lists. Tourism was manageable at first, thanks to prevailing attitudes towards Vietnam by Westerners. When it became common knowledge that the Vietnamese are normal, hospitable people, things changed.
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam now
Ho Chi Minh went stratospheric. Tourists from all over the world began piling in like there was no tomorrow. While this has inarguably benefited the Vietnamese economy, it has sullied the home city for many locals. Worse yet, it has raised prices, therefore turfing local people out of the homes they’ve had for generations.
Reykjavik, Iceland then
If you’re looking for a holiday where you can experience stunning natural wonders, incredible culture, and something outside of the ordinary, then Iceland is a perfect choice. This small but proud city is the capital of Iceland and one of its very few “bustling” areas. Here, tourists get a nice atmosphere without any of the crowds or sensory overload. Or they did.
Reykjavik, Iceland now
iHeart Iceland has claimed that the mass of tourists descending upon the city of Reykjavik has ruined the experience, making it feel packed and uncomfortable. While you’re never going to feel the brunt of a Berlin, London or Tokyo while roaming the streets of Reykjavik, it still might be something you want to consider before buying those tickets.
Cairo, Egypt then
Much like Rome, Cairo (and Egypt in general) is hugely reliant on tourism. In 2010, the tourism sector employed about 12% of the workforce of Egypt, serving a whopping 14.7 million visitors to Egypt, and providing revenues of close to $12.5 billion. People come to Cairo to get a feel for a unique country and culture, with a phenomenal history.
Cairo, Egypt now
The historic site of Cairo in Egypt has quickly modernized, but that doesn’t mean that many history buffs don’t travel there every year to experience the sites. Sadly, there has been upheaval in Egypt’s government in recent years, the police have become corrupt, and the hordes of tourists have made the city feel claustrophobic.
Valletta, Malta
Be honest. You probably couldn’t point to Malta on a map. The idea of you even having heard of Valletta might be a stretch. To those in the know, it’s given all the respect it deserves. Valletta is – or at least once was – one of Europe’s few remaining best-kept secrets. Full of history, great architecture and food, it’s been catching up with the rest of the continent over the last few decades.
Valletta, Malta
Despite their good intentions, it is these very tourists who are ruining the area, raising house prices and increasing the cost of living to the point where the locals cannot afford to live in Valletta anymore, driving them out. It’s a tall order, but it’s still not too late to prevent Valletta from becoming as impossible as Venice or Paris.
Sault Ste Marie, Canada then
What made Sault Ste. Marie so popular was that Marys River was an international port of entry to the United States, acting as an important destination for business, trade, and travel. Known as the ‘Friendliest City in Algoma’, Sault Ste. Marie remains one of the most stunning and exciting cities in Canada, though its influence has waned.
Sault Ste Marie, Canada now
Canada has many hidden gems tucked away, but the rise of big cities like Toronto has meant that many visitors are avoiding the beautiful small towns in favor of bigger city life. That was the fate of the stunning area of Sault Ste Marie, which fhas aced a dramatic dip in tourism. If you’re looking for a different experience, why not go?
Goa, India then
A unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, Goa is a heaven for those interested in sun, sea, sand, seafood and spirituality. This place was once the go-to spot for wealthy types looking for a less-frantic getaway, a chance to put their feet up after a few months chained to their desks and bask in the joys of doing nothing.
Goa, India now
Goa has been a victim of a dramatic decrease in tourism in recent years. It is thought this is due to a lack of infrastructure to host these tourists, making beaches dirty and therefore ruining the luxurious feel that attracted so many international tourists to its shores in the first place. Arrivals were down 30% internationally in 2017.
Moscow, Russia then
If you’re looking for a holiday rich in culture, stunning architecture, and serious history then Moscow is the place to go. Or at least, it used to be. Once the pride of Russia, this beautiful city is now tarnished in the eyes of many tourists, who once had Moscow on their list of places to visit. Hopefully things can turn around, as they have done before.
Moscow, Russia now
The growing conflict between the US and Russia and the military conflict with Ukraine has meant that many American tourists are skirting the city of Moscow yet again, leading to a decrease in tourism. Luckily for Russia, it doesn’t rely half as much on tourism as other countries, meaning it may be a long while until it becomes somewhere you’d want to visit again.
Bodrum, Turkey then
Bordum, with its chalk-white houses, wanted to give Santorini a run for its money. Branded as the destination of the future, Bodrum, unfortunately, chipped away at what made it special to begin with: its authenticity. The locals loved this place before it got commercialised. Bodrum continues to attract holiday-goers, but not as much as they’d hoped.
Bodrum, Turkey now
Sometimes destinations investing in their tourism can lead to a decrease in tourists. This sad situation has befallen Bodrum. Extensive investment in tourism development has put many holidaymakers off visiting the destination in favor of Istanbul. Bodrum still remains picturesque though, and a sun-soaked destination.
The Ring of Kerry, Ireland then
Perhaps not what you would initially picture when you hear ‘luxury destination’, but the Ring of Kerry has long attracted visitors due to its uniquely stunning views and landscape. Like a lot of Ireland, it boasts countless breathtaking views everywhere you look. This is the type of destination, too, that deters the rowdy thanks to its simplicity and climate.
The Ring of Kerry, Ireland now
Northern Ireland has had more public exposure recently. They serviced the likes of Game of Thrones, for example, for years and years, cementing a massive reputation and clientele to boot. The Ring of Kerry, and its ilk, remain popular, but they’ve been temporarily overshadowed by their noisy neighbours.
Engadine region, Swiss Alps then
Tourism hit the Engadine region way earlier than other ski-friendly resorts. The fun began in the winter of 1864. By 1913, a train station opened in Scuol, allowing easier and quicker access to the region, and improving tourism more than ever. From there, winter sports ascended higher and higher, quite literally. It became one of the Swiss Alps’ go-to spots for skiing and snowboarding.
Engadine region, Swiss Alps now
Thousands of former luxury holiday destinations have faced a decrease in popularity, suffered natural tragedies, or just fallen into disrepair. Climate change, however, is quickly forcing many iconic locations into closure or irreparably changing them like the Engadine region, which will soon face the effects of rising temperatures, melting the snow and ice.
