British holidaymakers could face a frosty reception this summer as they jet off to far-flung destinations because cities everywhere are cracking down on tourism.
This simmering resentment exploded in Spain this weekend, with hundreds of thousands of people protesting across 40 cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, and Mallorca.
In Madrid alone, over 150,000 demonstrators marched to demand housing rights, highlighting the severe shortage of affordable housing exacerbated by the booming tourism industry and the proliferation of short-term rentals.
The Balearic Islands witnessed its “first” huge protest and demonstration of the season, with locals taking to the streets in the picturesque capital of Mallorca to chant “let’s end the housing business”.
Although Spain is becoming increasingly hostile to tourists - they were targeted with water guns in Barcelona last summer - it's not an outlier. Anti-tourist sentiment is on the rise across the world as globalism encroaches on local ways of life.
British holidaymakers face a frosty reception in 20 countries this summer
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As our map above shows, anti-tourist sentiment is sweeping the globe, with no less than 20 countries enforcing strict measures.
Here's a closer look at the destinations getting tough on tourists.
Italy
From Venice to Rome, Italy is cracking down on tourism, which has exploded in recent years. In 2022, the United Nations World Tourism Organization reported that the home of good pasta and wine welcomed almost 50 million visitors, a figure nearly equivalent to the country's entire population of residents.
Starting in the spring and summer of 2025, day-trippers to Venice will be charged a €5 (£4.20) fee, while tour group sizes will be restricted and cruise ships will be prohibited from entering the historic centre.
Meanwhile, Portofino imposes fines of up to €275 (£232) on tourists causing congestion at popular selfie locations.
In response to concerns about overtourism, Rome is implementing similarly strict measures like restricting access to the Trevi Fountain, requiring in-person check-ins for short-term rentals, and potentially introducing a tourist tax, aiming to manage crowds and improve the quality of life for residents.
It comes after protesters last year removed several key safes used by tourists to access holiday lets in the heart of the Italian capital between the ancient Circus Maximus and Palatine Hill, expressing their fury towards tourism's impact on housing availability and costs.
Greece
Greece plans to limit cruise ship visits to islands like Santorini and Mykonos in response to the harmful effects of overtourism.
The proposed regulations aim to restrict the number of cruise liners and decrease the influx of thousands of passengers on the overburdened Cycladic Islands.
By reducing available berths and anchoring spaces, pressure on Greek ports could be eased, with a bidding system reportedly introduced for ships to obtain these limited slots.
The cap comes after The Greek Ombudsman, an independent body established to address maladministration and safeguard citizens' rights, emphasised the importance of sustainably managing tourism.
It cautioned that Greece should avoid "depleting its resources, squandering them, and gradually rendering our tourist destinations less appealing."
Santorini and Mykonos face cruise ship restrictions and a €20 (£16) fee during peak seasons. With over 3.4 million tourists projected to visit the Cycladic hotspot this year, Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos urged immediate measures to halt a construction boom that threatens to ruin the island.
Austria
The Austrian town of Hallstatt, rumoured to have inspired Frozen's Arendelle, has implemented measures like limiting tour buses and cars, and even erected a temporary "anti-selfie" fence, though it was later removed due to backlash.
In Vienna, authorities have implemented stricter regulations on short-term rentals, such as those offered through platforms like Airbnb, to preserve housing availability for residents amid rising tourism. These rules include limits on the number of days properties can be rented out annually and requirements for hosts to register with local authorities, aiming to balance tourism with the needs of locals.
Since July last year, Vienna instituted a cap on short-term rental stays in July 2024. Homeowners are only allowed to rent out their individual units for a maximum of 90 days each year in the capital.
A similar rule has been in effect in Vienna’s so-called “residential zones” since 2018, but the new law extends the 90-day maximum across the city. Special exceptions may apply to the new cap, but hosts will have to fill out an application with the city in order to receive them.
Ecuador
The Galapagos are one of the world’s most ecologically significant and biodiverse locations, and they have become a major destination for tourists. However, the rapid growth in tourist numbers has raised local fears of environmental degradation, overcrowding, and strain on local resources.
In response, the Galapagos Islands has doubled its entry fee for tourists.
The measure, which took effect in August 2024, means visitors from most countries will be required to pay $200 (€184), up from $100 (€92) currently.
“The Galapagos Islands are not only a national treasure but a global one,” Niels Olsen, Ecuador’s Minister of Tourism, said in a statement following the hike.
“It is our collective responsibility to protect and preserve this unparalleled ecosystem for future generations.”
Philippines
In 2018, Boracay, a favoured tourist island in the Philippines, was shut down for six months after the nation's president labelled its once-pristine white sand beaches "cesspools".
Sewage issues from hotels and restaurants catering to tourists had pushed the idyllic island’s environment to the brink of irreversible damage.
After reopening, Boracay implemented new rules and regulations, including limiting daily tourist arrivals, banning single-use plastics, and enforcing stricter waste management practices.
Thailand
Thailand is grappling with an overtourism crisis. The surge in visitors has reached a critical level, causing environmental harm and infrastructure overload in popular spots like Maya Bay, which is most famous for being the setting for the Hollywood blockbuster The Beach.
Visitors are now limited to an hour-long stay in Maya Bay and tourists are no longer allowed to swim in the bay's beautiful waters as it could impact the black-tipped reef shark population. Motorboats are banned from the bay itself to protect the restored coral and shark population.
Thailand is set to introduce a 300-baht tourism tax for foreign tourists, effective from May 1st, 2025, with those arriving by air charged per trip and those entering by land or water charged per 30-60 day period.
Malaysia
Malaysia has taken measures to address overtourism and ensure sustainable tourism, including focusing on sustainable practices, limiting visitor numbers in sensitive areas, and enhancing tourism safety and service quality.
One glaring example of overtourism is in Pulau Sembilan, located south of Pangkor Island. Known for its striking rock formations, pristine beaches, and unique “blue tears” caused by bioluminescent phytoplankton glowing at night, the island faces significant strain from overcrowding.
Despite a regulation capping visitors at 120 per day, up to 400 people were flocking their daily, damaging the white sandy beaches and endangering the plankton population.
Consequently, in March 2017, the Perak government indefinitely closed the island to tourists. Restoration efforts continue, and the island remains off-limits to the public.
In some areas, restrictions or outright bans on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb have been implemented.
For example, in Penang, the state government introduced strict regulations in May 2023, effectively banning short-term rentals in most private residential properties, such as landed homes and condominiums, to address issues like antisocial behaviour and housing shortages.
Indonesia
Indonesia has implemented measures to address overtourism, including a tourist tax, bans on certain activities, and stricter rules for behaviour and attire, aiming to promote responsible tourism and protect the environment and culture.
Bali has rolled out new guidelines to address tourist "misbehavior", with authorities stating that these steps aim to safeguard the island’s cultural heritage and sacred locations.
The stringent rules mandate proper attire at religious sites and bar menstruating women from entering holy temple areas.
On March 24, Bali’s Governor, Wayan Koster, detailed the regulations, cautioning that violations could lead to penalties under Indonesian law.
"We’ve had similar rules before, but as circumstances evolve, so must our approach. This keeps Bali’s tourism respectful, sustainable, and aligned with our traditions," he explained. "This circular is an urgent step to manage foreign tourists’ conduct while in Bali."
The policies, enforced by Love Bali — an entity created by the Bali government — require visitors to honour sacred places and symbols, wear suitable clothing in public, and act courteously at religious venues, eateries, shopping zones, and on streets.
Additionally, tourists must pay the compulsory tourism fee and hire licensed guides for cultural or natural site visits.
Japan
To address overtourism, Japan is implementing various measures, including capping visitor numbers at popular sites like Mount Fuji, implementing tourist fees, and promoting lesser-known destinations, while also focusing on improving infrastructure and enforcing better tourist behaviour.
A glaring example of this can be seen in Ginzan Onsen, picturesque hot spring town known for its historic Edo-period architecture, snow-covered streets, and a rumored connection to Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away.
The town attracts around 330,000 visitors annually. However, this influx has led to significant challenges, including traffic congestion, safety hazards, and disruptions to local life, prompting authorities to implement restrictions.
From January 7 until the end of last month, the Ginzan Onsen Association restricted day-tripper numbers during peak hours.
Between 9 AM and 4 PM, there was no limit on visitors, but those without prior bookings had to exit by five pm. From five to eight pm, entry was capped at 100-day visitors per hour, requiring pre-purchased tickets.
In February, parking regulations kicked in, mandating day-trippers to park at a designated lot two kilometres from the hot springs and take a shuttle bus (priced at ¥1,150 or £5.87) to reach the town.
South Korea
South Korea has implemented measures to address overtourism, particularly in the Bukchon Hanok Village, including a curfew restricting access from 5 pm to 10 am, with fines for violations, and restrictions on chartered buses.
Tourists greatly outnumber residents and complaints about noise, littering and privacy issues in the vicinity have escalated over the years in Seoul's tourist hotspot.
Chartered buses carrying tourists are also restricted in several sections. The aim is to reduce traffic and make Bukchon “foot-centered”, officials said.
Three colour-coded zones – red, orange and yellow – are also designated to allow local authorities to control and monitor crowds in the most densely populated areas.
Fines are imposed on violators, officials added. Following public complaints, signs in four languages warning tourists about noise levels were installed in 2018.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam has implemented several measures to address overtourism and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
In April 2024, Amsterdam prohibited the construction of new hotels to control tourist numbers and maintain livability.
New hotel developments are only permitted if an existing hotel closes, the total number of guest rooms does not increase, and the new establishment offers improvements such as enhanced sustainability. Projects with existing permits are exempt from this ban.
Amsterdam has set a cap of 20 million tourist overnight stays per year after the number of overnight stays reached approximately 20.7 million in 2023, prompting the city to enforce measures like the hotel construction ban to manage tourism levels.
Authorities have also prohibited smoking cannabis in public spaces, barred tour guides from operating in the Wallen district - the largest and best-known red-light district in Amsterdam - and mandated the closure of numerous brothels and coffee shops.
Restrictions have been placed on Airbnb rentals, and large cruise ships will be entirely banned by 2035.Spain
Spain has implemented a barrage of strict measures to deter tourism and negate its impact on local communities.
In January 2025, authorities imposed a three-year ban on registering new holiday rentals in 43 districts of Málaga, including the historic centre, El Ejido, and La Merced. This action aims to alleviate housing shortages and manage tourist density.
In April 2024, the city increased its municipal tourist tax to €6.75 per night for guests staying in five-star hotels.
This surcharge is on top of the general nightly tourist tax, resulting in a total of €47.25 for a seven-night stay in such accommodations.
In the Balearic Islands, proposals have been made to increase tourist taxes by up to 66 per cent, with four and five-star hotel guests potentially seeing charges rise from €4 to €6 per night.
A national law that came into effect in April requires landlords to obtain approval from at least 60% of residents in a building before renting to tourists.
Additionally, 50 per cent of proprietors must consent to legalise such rentals. Landlords must also secure tourist licenses, which are not universally granted.
France
France is also facing growing challenges from mass tourism, with authorities particularly concerned about the overwhelming number of visitors concentrated in hotspots like Paris, Mont-Saint-Michel, and Calanques National Park near Marseille.
In Étretat, on the northern coast, around 1.5 million tourists flock each year to see the iconic cliffs—often risking their safety for social media photos.
“The nature of tourism has changed dramatically over the past decade. It's now driven by Instagram, with little regard for the surrounding area,” said Brigitte Cottet, president of the Association of Residents of Annecy’s old town, in an interview with France Bleu last May.
In response, Paris has implemented measures to curb illegal short-term rentals, including banning key boxes used for unauthorised tourist accommodations.
Property owners are given a 15-day compliance period, with fines up to €3,000 for non-compliance.The initiative aims to reclaim housing for residents and reduce the strain on infrastructure.
Île-de-Bréhat - A small island off the northern coast of Brittany - imposed a summer tourist quota in July 2024, limiting the number of visitors between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm to 4,700 per day. The measure aimed to enhance the experience for visitors and prevent the 400 permanent residents from feeling overwhelmed.
Marseille's mayor, Benoît Payan, has unveiled a new initiative aimed at stopping holiday rental owners from profiting at the expense of local residents.
Under his proposal, landlords listing holiday apartments on Airbnb would be required to purchase an additional property and offer it for long-term rental.
"I'm going to force anyone who wants to use Airbnb to buy another apartment and make it available for long-term tenants," Payan told Euronews, adding: "I’ll leverage every legal tool at my disposal as a weapon… This will deter them from exploiting Marseille’s residents for profit."
Peru
Peru has implemented measures to manage tourism, particularly at popular sites like Machu Picchu, including strict ticketing systems, time slots, and guided tours, to combat overtourism and ensure the preservation of cultural heritage.
The government implemented a crackdown after the 2008 the World Monuments Fund placed the ancient Incan citadel on its Watch List of 100 Most Endangered Sites, due to the environmental degradation resulting from unsustainable visitor numbers.
Not long afterwards, the Peruvian government and UNESCO agreed that numbers would be limited to 2,500 per day going forward.
Visitors to Machu Picchu now have to enter during one of two time slots, between 6 am and noon, or noon and 5.30 pm. In theory, they have a maximum of four hours in the complex (six if hiking up either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains) but in reality many people overstay.
Visitors must follow a pre-designated path around the ruins, accompanied by an accredited guide. Eating and drinking are banned inside, so no picnics and selfie sticks are also banned. In addition, there is an official limit of 500 permits per day for the Inca Trail, which includes porters and guides.
Croatia
Croatia, particularly tourist hotspots like Dubrovnik and Split, is cracking down on "inappropriate" tourist behaviour with on-the-spot fines, aiming to curb issues like public drinking, noise, and other disturbances, while also pushing for sustainable and responsible tourism.
Hvar, an island renowned for its vibrant nightlife, is implementing measures to address the antisocial behaviour tied to its party reputation.
To shift away from its image as a party destination, the town of Hvar—sharing the island’s name—has voted to enforce noise restrictions throughout the summer, significantly affecting clubs, discos, and outdoor venues.
Town councillors decided to cap noise levels at 85 decibels during the summer months, a limit comparable to the sound of a bustling restaurant. This change will force major adjustments for the island’s well-known outdoor clubs, which thrive in peak season, as well as restaurants hosting outdoor weddings.
The decision faced opposition from local businesses, including restaurants and bars, prompting lobbying from the hospitality sector.
According to CroatiaWeek, the industry pushed back by suggesting the island be designated a year-round entertainment zone to sidestep the noise limits.
Vicko Visković of the hospitality group Dictum Factum expressed frustration to Dnevnik.hr, saying: “This is a disaster. We’ve always backed tougher rules and better enforcement, but this swings from one extreme to the other. It’s the wrong way to go.”
Malta
Malta is facing increasing concerns about the impact of tourism, leading to calls for measures to manage overtourism and its negative effects on residents and the environment, including calls for a moratorium on new hotel accommodation and stricter regulations.
Just 20 minutes from the mainland, the tiny island of Comino—spanning only 1.4 square miles—is home to the Blue Lagoon, a striking natural pool shaped by sandy shores and rocky formations. This scenic spot has surged in popularity among tourists.
Once a tranquil retreat, Comino now sees up to 10,000 visitors daily, a volume locals deem "unsustainable" during peak season.
Frustration is mounting over the tourism boom’s impact on the island. In February, Malta’s Tourism Minister Ian Borg vowed to "clean up" Comino, announcing a capacity limit to curb the flood of commercial boat operators crowding the area.
Hawaii
The Aloha State has plagued Hawaii for years, with visitors encroaching on sacred heiaus - a sacred temple, exploring burial caves, and disrupting delicate petroglyph fields, fueling local discontent. Cultural landmarks aren’t the only casualties—Hawaii’s wildlife is increasingly impacted as well.
Hawaii has taken steps to mitigate these tourism effects. Reservations are now mandatory at well-visited state parks like Diamond Head and Haena, with some locations introducing capacity restrictions. Rules have also been put in place to curb single-use plastics and ban sunscreen ingredients that damage coral reefs.
A proposed $25 (£20) “green” tourism fee in the state would require visitors to pay when checking into hotels or short-term rentals.
Governor Josh Green, a Democrat, explained: “We receive between nine and ten million visitors annually, yet only 1.4 million people live here. Those 10 million travellers should contribute to preserving our environment.”
Himalayas
A boom in “helicopter tourism” at Sagarmatha—Nepal’s name for Mount Everest—is taking a toll on both the local community and wildlife, locals say.
In response to the noise pollution and disruption caused by frequent helicopter flights—5,600 recorded in 2024 alone, with up to 100 daily flights during peak months—Sagarmatha National Park has introduced strict regulations.
As of January 1, 2025, commercial helicopter flights for sightseeing were banned across the park, restricting operations to emergency rescues and essential supply drops only. This followed years of complaints from Sherpas about the constant noise, starting at 6 am and lasting until sunset, which has disturbed their daily lives and driven wildlife like snow leopards, Himalayan tahrs, and musk deer from their habitats.
Travellers to Bhutan on the southeastern slopes are also required to pay a "Sustainable Development Fee" of US$100 (£80) per day—the highest entry fee globally—to limit visitor numbers in the landlocked Himalayan country and promote "high value, low impact" tourism.
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Hvar, an island renowned for its vibrant nightlife, is implementing measures to address antisocial behaviour
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Portugal
In Portugal, particularly in Sintra - an idyllic town and municipality in the Greater Lisbon region - growing concerns about overtourism have led to anti-tourism protests and calls for sustainable tourism policies, with residents expressing frustrations over rising costs, traffic congestion, and the impact on local life.
For years, the influx of summer tourists to Sintra’s UNESCO World Heritage site has strained residents, as heavy traffic clogs the town center, disrupting locals’ ability to carry out daily tasks.QSintra, a local group, describes Sintra—located west of Lisbon—as a “congested amusement park” due to traffic and discourteous visitors, urging the council to address the issue.
In response, over 350 Sintra citizens recently signed a protest against the construction of a new hotel and car park in the town’s historic centre that QSintra called “an attack on the cultural landscape”.
Housing activists in Lisbon are also pushing for restrictions on short-term tourist rentals in residential areas to address the housing crisis.
The Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is taking tough measures to address overtourism, including banning organised pub crawls, implementing stricter regulations on short-term rentals, and potentially limiting the number of visitors to certain areas.
Officials in the popular stag-do destination Prague have put forward a plan to prohibit extravagant costumes worn by stag and hen party groups as part of efforts to combat overtourism and lessen the nightlife’s burden on residents.
In October, Deputy Mayor Zdenek Hrib announced that drinking tours organized by tourism companies would be banned from operating between 10 pm. and 6 am.
