Cities worldwide tighten tourist rules as overtourism backlash grows

The global tourism industry has experienced a significant surge in recent years, leading to overcrowded destinations and strained local resources. This phenomenon, known as overtourism, has prompted cities worldwide to implement stricter regulations to preserve their cultural heritage, protect the environment, and improve the quality of life for residents.

In response to the growing backlash against overtourism, numerous cities have introduced measures such as tourist taxes, entry fees, and restrictions on short-term rentals. These initiatives aim to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the well-being of local communities and the sustainability of their environments.

Europe’s Response to Overtourism

European cities have been at the forefront of implementing measures to combat overtourism. In 2025, several iconic destinations introduced new travel rules to manage visitor numbers effectively.

Venice, for instance, expanded its entry fee system, charging day-trippers a €5 fee on 54 peak days annually, with last-minute bookings incurring a €10 fee. This initiative aims to reduce crowds on peak days and encourage longer visits, thereby improving the quality of life for residents. Additionally, Venice imposed fines of up to €300 for visitors without proper documentation and banned tourist groups larger than 25 people to maintain the city’s charm and livability.

Similarly, Barcelona increased its municipal tourist tax from €5.25 to €6.75 per night for guests staying in five-star hotels. This surcharge, effective from January 2025, is part of a broader strategy to manage the influx of tourists and ensure that the city’s infrastructure can accommodate visitors without compromising residents’ quality of life.

Asia’s Measures Against Overtourism

Asian cities have also taken significant steps to address the challenges posed by overtourism. Kyoto, Japan, has become a symbol of this movement, implementing measures such as banning tourists from private alleys in the Gion geisha district, with fines of ¥10,000 for trespassing. Additionally, the city plans to introduce a lodging tax of up to ¥10,000 per night for premium accommodations starting in March 2026. These actions aim to preserve the city’s cultural heritage and improve the living conditions of its residents.

In Bali, Indonesia, the government responded to environmental concerns by implementing a $10 visitor levy and expanding eco-tourism initiatives. The island also banned single-use plastics and tourist motorbike rentals to mitigate the environmental impact of mass tourism and promote sustainable travel practices.

Latin America’s Initiatives

Latin American destinations have not been immune to the effects of overtourism. In Mexico City, protests erupted in July 2025 against gentrification driven by an influx of tourists and remote workers. Activists argue that this trend has displaced local residents and altered the city’s character. In response, local authorities are considering measures to regulate short-term rentals and promote affordable housing to maintain the city’s cultural identity and support its residents.

Similarly, Machu Picchu in Peru introduced daily visitor caps and strengthened guided-tour requirements to protect the ancient Inca citadel and its surrounding ecosystem. These measures aim to preserve the site’s integrity and ensure that tourism does not compromise its historical and environmental value.

North America’s Approach

In the United States, Hawaii has taken legislative action to address overtourism. In May 2025, lawmakers passed a bill increasing the state’s lodging tax to fund environmental protection initiatives. This move reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance tourism’s economic benefits with environmental sustainability and the well-being of local communities.

Similarly, in Mexico City, protests erupted in July 2025 against gentrification driven by an influx of tourists and remote workers. Activists argue that this trend has displaced local residents and altered the city’s character. In response, local authorities are considering measures to regulate short-term rentals and promote affordable housing to maintain the city’s cultural identity and support its residents.

Global Trends and Future Outlook

The global trend towards implementing stricter tourism regulations reflects a collective effort to address the challenges posed by overtourism. Cities worldwide are recognizing the need to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of cultural heritage, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of local communities.

As these measures continue to evolve, it is essential for travelers to stay informed about the regulations in their chosen destinations and to adopt responsible travel practices. By doing so, tourists can contribute to the sustainability of the places they visit and ensure that future generations can enjoy these destinations in their authentic form.

The implementation of stricter tourism regulations across various cities worldwide signifies a pivotal shift towards sustainable travel practices. These measures aim to mitigate the adverse effects of overtourism, such as overcrowding, environmental degradation, and displacement of local communities.

As travelers, it is our responsibility to respect and adhere to these regulations, ensuring that our presence contributes positively to the destinations we visit. By embracing sustainable tourism practices, we can help preserve the cultural and environmental integrity of these cities for future generations.