In 2024, the global push against overtourism gained momentum as cities and communities voiced growing concerns over the overwhelming number of visitors disrupting local life and ecosystems.
According to travelandtourworld.com, In Barcelona, locals resorted to spraying tourists with water guns, while in Mallorca, protestors marched through the streets chanting, “tourists go home.”
In response, governments worldwide are stepping in with stricter regulations and new policies aimed at managing tourism more effectively.
Stricter Rules on Short-Term Rentals
Short-term rentals are a major focus in the battle against overtourism. Barcelona plans to phase out all short-term rentals by 2029, and Rome is introducing tighter registration and building code requirements. New York City has already implemented one of the most high-profile short-term rental bans globally.
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Despite these measures, the results remain mixed. Bram Gallagher, director of economics and forecasting at AirDNA, noted that previous restrictions in cities like Barcelona did little to alleviate overtourism or improve housing affordability. “Reducing this already limited stock of short-term rentals is unlikely to have a significant impact,” Gallagher said.
Rising Tourism Fees Across the Globe
Popular tourist destinations are introducing fees to manage visitor numbers and generate revenue. Iceland reinstated its hotel and alternative accommodation taxes to offset the strain on its natural resources caused by overtourism. Similarly, Edinburgh plans to introduce a 5% tourist tax per room night starting in 2026, with proceeds earmarked for housing, infrastructure, and cultural preservation.
In the U.S., tourism taxes are becoming a key revenue source for state governments. Airbnb hosts alone contributed $2.2 billion in tourism taxes, reflecting a growing trend toward imposing financial responsibilities on visitors.
Rome, grappling with overcrowding at iconic sites like the Trevi Fountain, is implementing a tourist fee and a reservation system to manage foot traffic. Alessandro Onorato, Rome’s deputy mayor of tourism, emphasized the dual goals of preserving the monument and ensuring a serene visitor experience.
National Parks Lead the Way in Visitor Management
The U.S. National Parks Service has been at the forefront of addressing overtourism. After a surge in visits, which reached 325.5 million in 2023, parks like Yosemite and Glacier have adopted reservation systems to better manage crowds.
“These systems are designed to enhance the visitor experience, reducing issues like parking shortages and long entrance lines,” explained Kathy Krupper, public affairs specialist at the National Parks Service. She highlighted the success of these measures in spreading visits across the week and encouraging better trip planning.
What’s Next?
As the backlash against overtourism grows, travelers can expect more regulations, reservation systems, and fees during their trips. These measures aim not only to manage tourism sustainably but also to ensure that both locals and visitors can coexist harmoniously. From limiting short-term rentals to imposing new taxes, governments are determined to tackle overtourism head-on while safeguarding their cultural and natural treasures.
