It’s Not Us. It’s You. Cities Battling Overtourism

We’ve all seen them: tourists behaving badly. Disrespecting locals and local culture. Selfie and FOMO culture coupled with the after-effects of the pandemic years have now created the perfect storm of overtourism at some popular destinations.

 Overtourism has become a significant issue for many travel destinations worldwide. The influx of tourists often leads to environmental degradation, overcrowded attractions, and strained local resources. In response, several destinations are implementing strict measures to manage tourist numbers and preserve their cultural and natural heritage. Notably, Bali, cities in Spain, Italy, and other parts of Europe have introduced innovative policies to combat overtourism.

Japan

 Japan has implemented several strategies to combat overtourism.  Local governments have introduced regulations to manage visitor flows at popular attractions, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage sites and natural landscapes. Mt. Fuji is experiencing human traffic jams along with the foothills being littered with garbage and inappropriately attired hikers in sandals on their ascent are among the issues plaguing the popular Japanese site.

 These efforts aim to balance tourism growth with environmental conservation and local community welfare, fostering a sustainable tourism industry that respects Japan's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

 Bali

I lived in Bali. It would always annoy me when I saw obnoxious tourists traipse into holy temples scantily clad, or block traffic so they could take the perfect sunset selfie on Uluwatu’s cliffs. Bali has seen a massive surge in tourism over the past decade. This influx has strained its infrastructure and natural resources. To address these issues, the Balinese government has rolled out several measures aimed at sustainable tourism. One of the key initiatives is the implementation of a tourist tax. Starting in 2024, international visitors to Bali will be required to pay a USD$10 tax, which will fund environmental conservation and cultural preservation projects. Since the surge of tourists, Bali has a major trash problem that needs to be solved sustainably.

 Additionally, Bali has introduced stricter regulations on waste management and plastic use, with a ban on single-use plastics in effect since 2019. The government is also focusing on promoting lesser-known areas of the island to distribute tourist numbers more evenly. By encouraging visits to underdeveloped regions, Bali aims to alleviate pressure on hotspots like Ubud and Kuta.

Miami

 This last spring break, Miami implemented a “Breaking Up with Spring Breakers” campaign to curb rowdy college students who descend on the Sunshine State. Strict regulations like curfews, pricey parking tickets, music permits and a ban on inflatable devices, tents and coolers were enforced by a heightened police presence.

 The social media campaign comes on the heels of the enacting emergency measures to control rowdy crowds and declaring a state of emergency following two fatal shootings during spring break.

Spain

 Spain is overcrowded and several cities are grappling with the consequences of overtourism. Barcelona, Madrid, and Mallorca are at the forefront of implementing strategies to manage tourist numbers. Barcelona has capped the number of new hotel licenses and placed restrictions on short-term rentals, such as those offered through platforms like Airbnb. These measures aim to reduce the influx of tourists while ensuring that local residents are not priced out of their homes. It may not be enough to curb the tide of anti-tourism as protestors have been taking to the streets in Barcelona and have been spraying tourists with water guns. Madrid has adopted a similar approach by regulating short-term rentals and promoting tourism in lesser-visited neighborhoods. The city is also investing in sustainable tourism initiatives, such as promoting cycling and walking tours to reduce the environmental impact of transportation.

 In Mallorca, the government has introduced a cap on the number of cruise ships allowed to dock daily, significantly reducing the daily influx of tourists. Additionally, the island has implemented a tourist tax, with funds directed towards environmental conservation and infrastructure improvements.

Italy

 Cities like Venice, Rome, and Florence have implemented stringent measures to safeguard their cultural heritage and manage visitor numbers. Venice, a city renowned for its canals and historic architecture, has been at the forefront of the battle against overtourism. The city has introduced a mandatory entrance fee for day-trippers, which varies depending on the season and the number of tourists. This fee is intended to control the number of visitors and generate funds for maintaining the city's infrastructure.

 Rome has taken steps to protect its ancient sites by limiting the number of visitors to popular attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums. Online booking systems have been introduced to manage crowd flow and prevent overcrowding. Additionally, Rome has implemented regulations to control street vendors and promote respectful behavior among tourists. Florence introduced measures to regulate short-term rentals and limit the number of tour buses entering the historic center. The city also encourages tourists to explore less crowded areas and supports initiatives highlighting local crafts and traditions.

Light at the end of the tunnel.

It isn’t all doom and gloom and an all war against tourists. Copenhagen is trying a different approach by rewarding visitors who act responsibly. Starting July 2024, tourists who participate in the city’s green initiatives like train travel, cycling, volunteering for clean-up efforts and helping plant gardens, will receive free meals and access to museums and kayak rentals. Denmark aims to be a travel industry trailblazer by piloting the program during the busy summer season. Let’s hope that other global cities will follow suit. Studies have shown that there is a market for tourists who want to travel more sustainably and countries should meet those needs.