Authorities on Easter Island (Chile) have taken measures to limit the flow of tourists hoping to see the famous stone statues. Effective today, the maximum stay for tourists on the island has been reduced from 90 days to one month. In addition, tourists will be required to book accommodation in advance or provide an invitation from a local resident.
According to Evening Standard, Easter Island's population has doubled over the past two decades, reaching 7,750. Even three thousand local residents is a significant number for the island, according to Petro Edmunds, head of the local administration. "Foreigners have taken over the island. Under their influence, our thousand-year-old culture is changing for the worse," he stated.
Mass tourism also harms the island's ecology—in particular, the increased population has begun to produce more waste.
Source: travel.ru
