Many popular travel destinations are overcrowded. Mass tourism endangers people, animals and nature. These regions have already introduced restrictions.
Traveling is no longer a luxury. Many frequented destinations can now be reached even by plane for little money. What is advantageous for tourists can have a negative impact on the travel destination – be it the inhabitants or the flora and fauna.
The phenomenon of “Overtourism” – in German also overtourism – occupies many overcrowded holiday areas. The disruptions caused by mass tourism sometimes go so far that some regions have introduced regulations and restrictions for tourists.
what is “Overtourism”?
Overtourism or excess tourism is a phenomenon where the number of tourists visiting a particular place or region exceeds capacity and has a negative impact on the local environment, culture and community. It can lead to overcrowding, pollution, rising cost of living and loss of local identity.
These destinations have introduced rules against mass tourism
Venice, Italy
Due to the high number of tourists coming to Venice each year, the city has introduced rules for tourists such as banning picnics in public squares and bridges and restricting cruise ships. From mid-June, day tourists will probably even have to pay admission (three to ten euros) – otherwise there is a risk of a fine of up to 300 euros.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona has also introduced tourist rules to reduce the impact of overtourism. These include restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol in certain areas of the city, tour groups may only have a certain size, depending on the region.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik became famous thanks to the series “Game of Thrones” and has been attracting many visitors ever since. The city has therefore introduced tourist restrictions to reduce the rush of visitors. This includes a daily limit on the number of tourists allowed inside the city walls.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam has launched a campaign to curb mass and party tourism, including a ban on tourist souvenir shops in the city center and restrictions on new holiday rentals.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is considered a picturesque, classic Greek island. Accordingly, it attracts many visitors. Restrictions are now in place, including a cruise ship tax, a limit on the number of visitors to the famous caldera, and restrictions on the construction of new hotels and vacation rentals.
South Tyrol, Italy
As the youngest holiday region, South Tyrol wants to introduce restrictions on tourism by not allowing hotels, Airbnbs and guesthouses to add new accommodation or rooms without permission from their municipality. Operators must list how many beds they had four years ago by June 30, 2023 to establish the number of allowed overnight guests per property and community at 2019 levels.
Majorca, Spain
Mallorca also has restrictions in place to regulate mass tourism and reduce the impact on the environment and local community. These include measures such as restricting tourists in certain areas, banning alcohol and smoking on beaches, restricting short-term rentals and promoting sustainable tourism.
