This is interesting.
Just had a look how some popular dictionaries define the word touristy and it
appears the word does have negative connotations: (at least to the compilers of
the dictionaries).
- According to Cambridge Dictionary A touristy place is not attractive because a lot of tourists visit it and it is full of things for them to buy and do
- The Oxford Dictionary declares the term as being an informal word defines it as follows: Relating to, appealing to, or visited by tourists (often used to suggest tawdriness or lack of authenticity)
- Collins Dictionary goes even further :
If you describe a place as touristy, you do not like it because it is full of tourists or full of things for tourists to buy and do.
[informal , disapproval]
Visit some of the less touristy islands.
and then gives an "American usage"
touristy in American English(ˈtʊrɪsti ; toorˈistē)
adjective
of or for tourists
often used with mild contempt to suggest banality or tastelessness
- and the Longman dictionary, to conclude with:
Related topics: Tourism
tour‧ist‧y /ˈtʊərəsti $ ˈtʊr-/ adjective informal
1 a place that is touristy is full of tourists and the things that attract tourists – used to show disapproval
Benidorm is too touristy for me.
2 a touristy activity is typical of the things that tourists do – used to show disapproval
We did all the usual touristy things
It should be noted, however, that other online dictionaries give a much more "neutral" meaning :
Dictionary.com -
pertaining to or characteristic of
tourists:
a touristy attitude.
2.appealing to or frequented by
tourists:
a touristy restaurant near the Eiffel Tower.
