Across the globe, once serene landscapes and iconic monuments are becoming overwhelmed by an ever-growing tide of mass tourism. From the cobbled streets of Venice to the sun-kissed beaches of Thailand, destinations that once thrived on their natural beauty and cultural heritage are now struggling under the weight of their popularity. In response, local governments and environmental advocates are taking bold actions to preserve the essence of these places—while also protecting them from irreversible damage.
The Global Impact of Mass Tourism
Over the past few decades, the rise of budget airlines, social media, and cheap travel packages has made it easier than ever for people to visit far-flung destinations. But while tourism is a significant economic driver, it also brings with it a host of problems. Crowded streets, overcrowded attractions, pollution, and environmental degradation are just a few of the negative consequences that have come hand in hand with mass tourism.
Take Venice, for example. The Italian city, known for its intricate canals and historic architecture, has long struggled with the effects of over-tourism. In 2024, the number of tourists visiting Venice reached a staggering 30 million per year, well above the city’s resident population of about 260,000. The delicate infrastructure of the city, already vulnerable due to rising sea levels, has been further stressed by the sheer number of visitors. In an effort to combat this, Venice has introduced an entry fee for day-trippers, part of a broader initiative to limit the number of tourists at any given time.
Concrete Measures
Venice is not alone in its fight. A number of other popular destinations are taking similar steps to curb the impact of tourism.
In Bali, Indonesia, a destination once known for its lush landscapes and tranquil beaches, authorities have begun implementing reservation systems at some of its most iconic sites. The popular Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud now requires visitors to book tickets in advance, and the authorities are also considering introducing visitor caps to preserve local wildlife and protect sacred spaces.
Similarly, in Barcelona, where iconic sites such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell attract millions of tourists each year, local authorities have implemented timed entry tickets, limiting the number of visitors at any given moment. The city has also increased fines for illegal tourist rentals and has cracked down on overcrowded tours that contribute to congestion in residential neighborhoods.
What is being done around the world
• Croatia: Tightening the Screws in Dubrovnik
• Netherlands: Amsterdam Bans New Hotel Openings
• Greece: Athens Limits Access to the Acropolis
• Austria: Hallstatt Develops a Wall against Selfies
• Czech Republic: Prague Bans Disguises and Pub Crawls
• Japan: Climbing Mount Fuji Will Be More Expensive
• Spain: Barcelona Plans Airbnb Ban
• Ecuador: Galapagos Tax to Be Doubled
• Indonesia: Bali Fights Backpackers with Tax
Nature vs. Commercialization: The Case of National Parks
National parks, often touted as the crown jewels of natural preservation, are also feeling the pressure. Yellowstone National Park in the United States, for instance, has seen record numbers of visitors in recent years. As more people flock to its geothermal wonders and diverse wildlife, park rangers are now tasked with managing not just the visitors, but the environmental strain they bring. In response, the National Park Service is implementing a series of measures, including reservation systems for popular hiking trails and timed entries for high-traffic areas.
Tech’s Role in Sustainable Tourism
In some cases, technology is being leveraged to create smarter, more sustainable tourism experiences. The UNESCO World Heritage sites, which include some of the world’s most important historical and cultural landmarks, are now exploring digital innovations to help monitor and control visitor numbers. In Machu Picchu, Peru, the government has implemented an online ticketing system with a strict cap on the number of visitors per day. The tickets, which are sold months in advance, help ensure that the ancient Incan citadel is not overrun by visitors, preserving its cultural significance for generations to come.
Likewise, in Iceland, authorities have introduced real-time monitoring systems to track the impact of tourists on the country’s natural resources, such as glaciers and geothermal areas. Apps and websites now allow tourists to make informed decisions about when and where to visit, helping to distribute visitors more evenly across the island and reducing the strain on heavily trafficked areas.
The Future of Travel: A More Thoughtful Approach
As more destinations take a stand against mass tourism, the travel industry is beginning to see a shift. Sustainable tourism practices are becoming a priority, with travelers increasingly aware of their environmental and social impact. Organizations like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) are promoting certification programs for hotels, tour operators, and destinations that meet sustainability criteria.
At the same time, many travelers are choosing to seek out less-explored destinations, opting for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences that allow them to connect with local cultures in more meaningful ways.
The fight against mass tourism is not an easy one, but it is necessary. As more destinations embrace sustainable tourism practices, the hope is that travel will evolve into a more thoughtful, respectful endeavor—one that preserves the beauty and integrity of our world’s most treasured places for future generations.