15 Iconic Places That are Fed Up with Tourists

Are you dreaming of your next getaway but worried about contributing to overtourism? As global tourism rebounds, with international arrivals reaching 88% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023,¹ many popular destinations are feeling the strain. 

From environmental degradation to overcrowding and cultural erosion, the consequences of overtourism are far-reaching. Here are 15 destinations that are grappling with the challenges of excessive visitor numbers.

1. Venice, Italy

Venice, the floating city of romance, is sinking under the weight of its own popularity. With over 30 million visitors annually, the city’s fragile infrastructure is crumbling. The narrow streets and canals are often choked with tourists, making daily life a challenge for the dwindling local population.

Venice has implemented a tourist tax and plans to limit the number of visitors allowed into the city center. The city is also encouraging tourists to explore lesser-known neighborhoods and to visit during the off-season when crowds are smaller.

2. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan citadel perched high in the Andes, is a bucket-list destination for many travelers. However, the site’s popularity has led to overcrowding and damage to the delicate ruins. In 2017, over 1.5 million people visited Machu Picchu, far exceeding the limit.^(ref)

To protect the site, the Peruvian government has implemented strict ticketing and entry policies. Visitors must now book their tickets in advance and enter the site at a designated time slot. 

The government is also encouraging tourists to explore other Incan sites in the region to spread out the crowds.

3. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, the vibrant Catalan capital, is struggling to balance its booming tourism industry with the needs of its residents. With over 30 million visitors annually, the city’s infrastructure is straining under the pressure.

Locals are being priced out of their neighborhoods as short-term rentals drive up housing costs. To address these issues, Barcelona has implemented a moratorium on new hotel construction and has cracked down on illegal short-term rentals.

4. Santorini, Greece

Santorini, the picturesque Greek island known for its white-washed buildings and stunning sunsets, is drowning in tourists. The island’s small size and limited resources are struggling to cope with the influx of visitors, which can reach up to 18,000 per day during peak season.

To manage the crowds, Santorini has implemented a daily cap on cruise ship passengers. The island is also promoting sustainable tourism practices, such as using public transportation and supporting local businesses.

5. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik, the medieval walled city on the Adriatic coast, has become a victim of its own popularity thanks in part to its starring role in the TV series “Game of Thrones.”

The city’s narrow streets and limited infrastructure are struggling to cope with the influx of visitors, which can reach up to 10,000 per day during peak season. Dubrovnik has implemented a daily cap on cruise ship passengers and banned new restaurants in the historic center.

6. Boracay, Philippines

Boracay, the once-pristine island paradise in the Philippines, was forced to close for six months in 2018 due to severe environmental degradation caused by overtourism. The island’s white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters had become polluted with sewage and trash, and its coral reefs were dying.

Since reopening, Boracay has implemented strict environmental regulations and visitor caps.

7. Maya Bay, Thailand

Maya Bay, the stunning beach made famous by the movie “The Beach,” was forced to close indefinitely in 2018 due to severe environmental damage caused by overtourism. The bay’s coral reefs and marine life had been decimated by the thousands of tourists who visited each day.

Since closing, the Thai government has implemented a strict rehabilitation plan for the bay, including a visitor ban and coral reef restoration efforts. The government encouraged visitors to explore Thailand’s many other beautiful beaches and islands.

8. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, the quirky capital of Iceland, has seen a massive surge in tourism in recent years thanks to its stunning natural beauty and unique culture. However, the city’s small size and limited infrastructure are struggling to cope with the influx of visitors, which can outnumber locals during peak season.

To manage the crowds, Reykjavik is investing in infrastructure improvements and has implemented a tourist tax to fund these efforts.

9. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat, the sprawling temple complex in Cambodia, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. However, the site’s popularity has led to overcrowding and damage to the ancient ruins.

In 2018, over 2.6 million people visited Angkor Wat, far exceeding the recommended daily limit.

To protect the site, the Cambodian government has implemented strict ticketing and entry policies. Visitors must now purchase their tickets in advance and are limited to certain areas of the complex.

10. Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre, the picturesque string of five fishing villages on the Italian Riviera, is struggling to cope with the influx of tourists. The villages’ narrow streets and limited infrastructure are not equipped to handle the thousands of visitors who descend upon them each day.

Cinque Terre has implemented a daily visitor cap and requires tourists to purchase a Cinque Terre card to access the villages and hiking trails. 

11. Zion National Park, USA

Zion National Park, the stunning red rock wilderness in Utah, is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. However, the park’s popularity has led to overcrowding and environmental degradation. In 2019, over 4.5 million people visited Zion, far exceeding the park’s capacity.

To manage the crowds, Zion has implemented a mandatory shuttle system during peak season and requires visitors to obtain permits for certain hikes.

12. Bali, Indonesia

Bali, the tropical paradise known for its lush landscapes and spiritual culture, is buckling under the weight of overtourism. The island’s infrastructure is struggling to cope with the influx of visitors, which has led to environmental degradation and cultural erosion.

To address these issues, Bali has implemented a tourist tax and is cracking down on illegal villa rentals.

13. Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt, the fairy-tale village in the Austrian Alps, has become a victim of its own Instagram fame. The village’s picturesque streets and stunning lake views have made it a popular destination for social media influencers and tourists alike.

However, the village’s small size and limited infrastructure are not equipped to handle the influx of visitors. Hallstatt has implemented a daily visitor cap and requires tour buses to park outside the village.

14. Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye, the largest island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, has seen a massive surge in tourism in recent years thanks to its stunning landscapes and rich history. However, the island is struggling to cope with the influx of visitors, which has led to traffic congestion and environmental degradation.

The island is investing in infrastructure improvements and has implemented a voluntary tourist tax to fund these efforts.

15. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands, the remote archipelago off the coast of Ecuador known for its unique wildlife and pristine landscapes, are under threat from overtourism. The islands’ fragile ecosystems are struggling to cope with the influx of visitors, which has led to environmental degradation and wildlife disturbance. The Ecuadorian government has implemented strict visitor caps and requires all tourists to be accompanied by a licensed guide. 

As these destinations grapple with the challenges of overtourism, it’s clear that a more sustainable approach to travel is needed. By supporting local communities, respecting cultural heritage, and minimizing our environmental impact, we can help preserve these precious places for generations to come.

Source:

1. UN Tourism