5 Cities in the World That Experience Overtourism

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Overtourism is a phenomenon where popular tourism destinations become so crowded that they exceed their capacity. Although tourism can bring economic benefits to countries, overtourism brings a number of social, environmental, and cultural challenges that require attention and action.

Quoted from National Geographic, overtourism is a condition when too many people gather in one place at a certain time. The effects include climate change and environmental damage, such as coral reefs being degraded by snorkeling and tourist boats. This problem also affects residents with rising property prices and a disappearing community.

Not only Bali, several countries and cities around the world also experience overtourism. Citing from the Independent, here are 5 cities in the world that also experience overtourism:

1. Venice

Venice has taken action following warnings from Unesco about irreversible damage to its historic center. They now charge an entrance fee of 5 euros for tourists visiting between 8:30 a.m. and 04:00 p.m. during spring and summer. This step was taken to reduce overtourism where they receive 30 million visitors annually. 

2. Athens

In September 2023, Athens, Greece limited the number of visitors to 20,000 to reduce crowding at the ancient monument of the Greek Acropolis. Visitors must now book a time slot in advance between 08:00 a.m. and 08:00 p.m. Greece's culture minister, Lina Mendoni, said the move was taken to protect the monument and improve visitors' experience at the site.

3. Barcelona

In April 2024, Barcelona increased the tourist tax for five-star hotel guests from 5.25 euros to 6.75 euros per night. This additional tax, which will be paid to the Generalitat of Barcelona and the City Council, is added on top of the general tourist tax paid to the region. This is done to reduce overtourism that occurs in this city.

4. Paris

France's tourism minister, Olivia Gregoire, has announced plans to tackle tourism problems by regulating visitor numbers and supporting local authorities who saw a surge in visitors in June last year.

5. O’ahu

Hawaii regulates visitor numbers to protect their natural environment, repair coral reefs, and maintain state parks and trails. They are considering a US$25 tourist fee that would require tourists to pay when checking into hotels or short-term rentals.

WINDA OKTAVIA

Editor’s Choice: Bali's WWF Summit Initiates Center of Excellence on Water, Climate Resilience in Asia Pacific 

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