Overtourism Hits European Hotspots
Tourism is booming once again in Europe, according to the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization). Specifically, the agency notes that more than 747 million travelers visited the continent in 2024. But this overtourism has in recent years triggered tension among residents and tourism operators amid many issues.
Notably, more and more residents are becoming discontent because of rising rental fees, choked attractions and strained water supplies.
Protests Amid Overtourism Anger
In Spain, overtourism anger spilled into the streets this summer. In particular, protesters in Barcelona and Palma wielded water guns at tourists and carried banners reading, “Your holidays, my misery.” Overall, their message was clear: Residents want limits on short-term rentals and cruise ship arrivals.
Similarly, Italy’s Venice has seen demonstrations against day-trippers. For instance, residents complain that cruise passengers overwhelm streets while contributing little to the local economy.
Meanwhile, in Germany, Bavaria’s picturesque Eibsee Lake—dubbed the “Bavarian Caribbean”—is overrun. As a result, buses jam narrow roads and parking lots overflow.
Local Voices Highlight the Strain
“We’ve always had tourism, and mass tourism, but over the last 10 to 15 years this has changed dramatically,” English teacher and Universitat Pompeu Fabra associate professor Domingo Alegre told CNN.
“It’s not seasonal anymore, it’s 365 days a yearm,” she added. “And the visitors are much more than the number of inhabitants.”
Notably, her frustration with overtourism echoes across Europe. From Spanish islands to Alpine lakes, locals see their homes transformed into open-air theme parks.
Policies to Combat Overtourism
Consequently, officials are imposing stricter rules to combat overtourism. For instance, Barcelona has pledged to phase out short-term rentals by 2028 and removed thousands of illegal listings already.
Meanwhile, Venice reinstated seasonal entry fees of five to ten euros for day visitors. Similarly, Greece introduced cruise taxes: €20 for famous islands like Mykonos and Santorini and €5 for smaller destinations.
In addition, Greece staggered visiting hours at the Acropolis to ease pressure. Authorities also invested in desalination systems to meet surging water demand during peak months. Across Europe, mayors argue these steps protect livability while still welcoming visitors.
Industry Pushback and Blame
Tourism companies, however, resist some measures.
In particular, TUI, Europe’s largest tour operator, blamed overtourism not on hotels but on short-term rental platforms. These services, it argues, inflate housing costs and saturate neighborhoods. Nevertheless, regulators are cracking down, citing community well-being as the priority.
Social Media Fuels Overtourism
In addition, social media also accelerates the overtourism problem. For instance, Instagram and TikTok spotlight destinations like Bavaria’s Eibsee or Croatia’s beaches. Viral posts quickly draw thousands seeking the same perfect photo.
Therefore, local governments race to manage influxes driven less by guidebooks and more by hashtags.
The Road Ahead for Travelers
For travelers, the changes mean higher fees, stricter rental options, and occasional protests near landmarks. Moreover, popular cities may require reservations to manage flows.
Overall, this evolving landscape and overtourism problem pushes tourists to consider lesser-known towns or shoulder-season trips.
A Turning Point for European Tourism
Ultimately, Europe stands at a crossroads, as communities want balance between welcoming guests and preserving daily life.
With overtourism protests intensifying, officials are rethinking tourism models. Sustainable strategies may define Europe’s future, placing residents at the center of planning.
