HOW TO PREVENT OVERTOURISM IN POPULAR DESTINATIONS

There’s no denying that when overtourism happens too many visitors crowd a destination, putting huge amounts of pressure on local communities, environments, and infrastructure. Think jam-packed historic streets to rising housing costs for local residents, the impacts can change a place in ways that we couldn’t imagine unless experienced. This in turn can make it less enjoyable for both locals and travellers. When we visit a place and it becomes overcrowded, we should always remember at the core of our travels, that city, country, village we’re visiting is someone’s home. In this post, we’ll explore what overtourism in popular destinations is and share some of our experiences through ways you can travel more responsibly to help.

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What is Overtourism?

The term overtourism, is defined by ‘too many’ visitors in a particular destination, however ‘too many’ is in inverted commas, as this term is readily defined by each destination, its residents, hosts, business owners and tourists. This causes a knock-on effect for rent to sky-rocket leading local dwellers to leave the destination. These properties then naturally become rentals for holidays, which is in effect caused by over-tourism.

Examples of overtourism are when small roads are blocked due to a hideous number of tourist transport, or when wildlife is not able to live in it’s natural area due to being scared away. Also when regular landmarks cannot be enjoyed with ease due to huge crowds, when landscapes or the surroundings degrade or wither away due to excessive use, these all lead to signs of overtourism.

Cruises are a big driver of overtourism to destinations because they bring thousands of day-trippers into small, historic city centres simultaneously, overwhelming infrastructure, creating intense crowding, and generating significant environmental pollution. These passengers often spend little in local economies as they are more than likely dining back on the ship or on big guided tours which do cause strain to local businesses and small cities unable to cope with the influx.

Why Does Overtourism Happen?

Travel has seen huge growth over the years, in both local and to destinations all around the world. Many people now prioritise travel and it’s becoming a priority over purchasing material life investments such as houses, cars and even starting a family. Travel is becoming a priority for many young professionals who wish to invest in life experiences.

The huge focus of social media and obtaining the ‘perfect instagrammable’ shot has lead to many destinations being over-run by tourists who are literally there for a few hours or minutes in some cases, and then leave the area without thinking about the wider community and supporting them or adding to the local economy. The influx and queues of influencers waiting to get the ‘perfect’ shot can be quite overwhelming for residents homes and day to day activity.

Overtourism has become not just a problem for big cities but also rural communities and national parks. There are few places in the world that are free from overtourism, from cities to historical sites, to national parks and even whole countries but some destinations are looking into overtourism and finding a way to try and tackle the problem by means of laws to preserve the rights of locals whilst simultaneously still allowing tourists to visit annually.

Is Overtourism Solely Down to Tourists?

Often it’s easy to point the finger at travellers when it comes to overtourism in popular destinations, but many tourism boards heavily promote destinations, after all tourism is a business! Airlines add more and more routes to countries and cities to keep up with demand, developers are building hotels in more remote regions as well as busy hot spots. This is all being tackled even before the destination has the infrastructure in place to cope with such demands.

The priority of governments around the world is to ensure that tourism revenue gains number one spot within their country but they forget that infrastructure takes a much more time and investment to adopt on the ground, especially when it comes to local communities. Hence we’ve see the expansion of cruise terminals, such as the one in Palma de Mallorca. Seeing first hand how within seconds thousands of visitors can engulf a city.

It’s good to note that travellers are only part of the overtourism narrative, as tourism systems are made up of industry-led policies and marketing campaigns.

As travellers we are part of the demand and supply chain so why not help shape that by making a positive impact in the local community?

How Travellers Can Prevent Overtourism in Popular Destinations

• Find alternative spots to explore in the same region/country or even city.
• Plan your trips around off-peak season.
• Support the local community by joining social responsibility projects and initiatives.
• Know the culture of the destination, to show cultural appreciation.
• Travel beyond the hotspots with a local guide.
• Aim to be an eco-friendly and responsible traveller.
• Dine at small locally-owned or family restaurants.
• Purchase food from the local artisan markets.
• Scope out ethical and responsible travel tour companies employing local guides.
• Stay in locally owned hotels and don’t be afraid to ask the hotel about who it’s owned by, the CEO or MD.
• Keep things as local as possible to ensure money is kept circular and is not leaving the country, this reduces tourism leakage.

Be-lavie Tip: The more tourists that choose to spend their money on local products, accommodation, guides, to mention a few, means that the country’s tourism supports the local people and their businesses.

Boracay, The Philippines

Overtourism Issues

We all know Boracay as a picture perfect-screen saver destination with it’s clear shimmery waters and powdery white sands however the number of visitors who visit is quite an eye-opener.

Back in 2000, the annual number of visitors was around 250,000 but this number has rocketed to close to 2 million. The island is only four-square miles and together with vendors, it has struggled to accommodate sewage waste and has has to build over-ground PVC pipes, which lead direct to the ocean. The sewage is left untreated! This is turn has lead to the clear waters being filled with green algae, which has destroyed the once beautiful coral reefs by between 70-90%. The infrastructure is inadequate for the large number of tourists and accommodation.

Preventative Actions

In August 2018, Borocay was closed for rehabilitation over 6 months, which saw illegal beach-front properties bulldozed. The island has banned single-use plastic. Hotels are being asked to apply for permits which include a defined waste management system.

The no drinking and smoking at white beaches is more strictly enforced together with a ban on casinos. The island wasn’t fully restored until the end of 2019. Boracay limits island visitors to around 6,400 to 6,500 daily arrivals, or 19,000–20,000 tourists at any given time. It still seems a lot but these numbers are continually being assessed to ensure it’s act is cleaned up.

What We Can Do

The Philippines is a country with many beach islands (around 7641). There’s a huge choice and these are not over-touristic destinations. Opt for  Siargao or Palawan.  Amanpulo is said to be a stunner! Go Spread the loves and avoid Boracay.

Tours & Activities in Boracay

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism Issues

The Incan Citadel of Machu Picchu has seen visitor numbers raising from 400,000 to 1.4 million in a space of 20 years. Previously visitors could climb and walk on the ancient ruins, right up until 2017. Unfortunately this hoard of tourists also meant that the citadel had littering problems, erosion to the pathways. Things were so bad that UNESCO threatened to add Machu Picchu to the naughty step of ancient sites known as its ‘List of World Heritage in Danger’.

Preventative Actions

On July 1 2017, the Peruvian government launched it’s $43.7 million plan to get Machu Picchu off the naughty list and only allowing tourists timed visits each day but they have to be accompanied by a guide. They are also only permitted to walk along the specific trails in the citadel now, which we think is a great idea. We visited in 2015 and could see some of the subtle stone crumbling.

5,000 tickets are available per day, although UNESCO did state half this number, however finance seems to have prevailed!! There is also the commissioning of a visitor centre and a restroom at the entrance of the Perimeter of Machu Picchu National Park.

How We Can help

If visiting stick to the rules and regulations and research before you go. Follow the designated routes once inside the citadel.

Peru has other beautifully impressive Incan ruins, such as The Chachapoyan ruins, which are located in North Peru. Chocquequirao is another impressive set of ruins which requires four days of hike from Cusco to reach but well worth the effort.

Tours & Activities in & Around Machu Picchu

Maya Bay, Thailand

Overtourism Issues

If you’re a Leonardo de Caprio fan, then you’ll be familiar with the movie ‘The Beach’ which had some awe-inspiring scenes filmed on Maya Bay. It’s situated on the Ko Phi Phi Island in Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Thailand. There are around 2,00-3,000 villagers living there with the vast majority of their income coming through tourism.

Thailand’s Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) in 2018 reported that 2.5 million tourists came to the bay bringing the number of tourists per day to 5,000. This is a phenomenal amount considering the area of land is only 250 metres long and 15 metres wide.

The problem was that countless speed boats zipped up and down the bay daily dropping off mammoth numbers of visitors who were day tripping or here to snorkel or swim. Thus resulting in approximately 80% of its coral reef becoming polluted.

Preventative Actions

In 2018, Thailand closed Maya Bay for ecological recovery reasons and extreme weather situations. It was announced that the island would close indefinitely due to irreparable damage. The DNP (Department of National Parks) spent several years restoring the area and replanting over 10,000 coral reefs and building electronic ticketing systems and digital speedboat trackers for boat operators.

Maya Bay reopened in January 2022 with a new set of rules in place. Boats cannot directly enter the bay with only eight boats being allowed to enter at one time, with disembarking passengers on a pier at the rear of the island.

You can only stay on the island for an hour from 10:00-16:00 and only 300 visitors can be on the island at the same time. If you’re planning to snorkel here, you will no longer be allowed to go onshore but stay within the designated zones.

How We can Help

In order to allow the area to regrow back to its natural lush state again, try out the below alternatives. They’re not only equal in beauty but also a lot less crowded and touristy.

• Pileh Bay.
• Koh Hong Bay.
• Lo Moo Dee Bay.

Tours & Activities in & Around Ko Phi Phi

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Overtourism Issues

In 2017, it was reported that around 2.5 million people visited the 12^th century Hindu temple complex, Angkor Wat. From our own visit we noticed, a lot of visitor’s crowd around the main Angkor Wat Temple but also around Ta Phrom, also known as ‘The Tomb Raider Temple’, made famous by the Lara Croft movie.

This harms the ruins because visitors are walking all over them and placing a lot of pressure on the roots of the Banyan trees that grow all around these temples, but also surrounding areas too.

Nearby urban areas have grown leading to a shortage of ground water, which could cause the sudden collapse of the ancient City of Temples.

Preventative Actions

Back in 2016, the Cambodian government restricted the number of visitors to the site as well as increasing the ticket prices. These almost doubled infact per day as well as moving their ticket booths away from the East and West gates to control human traffic queues.

The central tower at Angkor Wat now allows 100 visitors at a time, however, sadly it doesn’t always cap numbers according to the suggested guidelines.

How We Can Help

Many local guides indeed will recommend getting to Angkor Wat to see the sunrise at around 5 am, when the gates open as this is when it is at its quietest. You may even get the place to yourself, although the news is travelling fast.

There are many other temples in the Angkor Wat and Siem Reap complex, which are deemed to be under-touristed but equally just as beautiful but also quite remote.

Tours & Activities in Siem Reap

Venice

Overtourism Issues

Venice is probably one of the most overtouristy cities in the world. But this global influx of visitors has resulted in rising water levels threatening its infrastructure. Venice sees, in the region of 30 million visitors each year. It has been said that the native population of the city could be down to zero by 2030 due to rising rental prices, many cannot afford to live here any longer. Cruise ships are known to be a huge contributor by carrying thousands upon thousands of passengers annually leading to the detriment of the coastline and ecosystem.

Preventative Actions

UNESCO threatened to put Venice on it’s endangered list thus from 1 August 2021 the Italian government banned cruise ships from the Venice lagoon.

Fast food stores such as Kebab shops have also been banned in order to preserve this ancient city’s character.

In addition to this there are fines in place for spending too much time on bridges to avoid overcrowding as well as littering and riding a bike through the historic centre.

As part of the 2017 campaign, #EnjoyRespectVenezia highlighted that wearing a bathing suit whilst site seeing is deemed disrespectful especially in places of worship.

The Venice Day Tax (officially the “Access Fee” or Contributo di Accesso) is a fee of €5 (booked in advance) to €10 (last minute or late arrivals) aimed at day-trippers visiting Venice’s historic centre on, high-traffic days between April and July as well as 54 specific, and weekends and public holidays. This was put into place in 2025 and applies to visitors over 14 years old entering between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Payment is via the official Venice city website and doesn’t apply to overnight guests (who already pay a separate ‘tourist tax’). Non-payment can incur fines ranging from €50-€300.

How To Help

Plan a trip during shoulder season (April, June, Sept, Oct) and be as conscious as possible. Plan your itinerary so you don’t go to all the major sites in one day, increasing congestion and book walking tours as much as possible.

Tours & Activities in Venice

Bali, Indonesia

Overtourism Issues

Between 1990 and 2017, Indonesia saw a huge rise in travellers, from 2.2 million to 13.7 million. About a third of these were headed for Bali. It’s hard to believe that the island only had three hotels prior to the 1960s. The opening of Ngurah Rai International Airport combined with the effect of Julia Roberts movie Eat, Pray, Love has seen the island over congested and suffering water shortages. Bali already has declared a ‘garbage emergency’ after many of its famous beaches such as Kuta and Seminyak were ridiculously littered. Many tourists also have not been respecting Bali’s modest culture and having Instagram style photographs outside temples in swimwear.

Preventative Actions

Due to some disrespectful behaviour, the Balinese government was looking at not allowing tourists to go into temples unaccompanied, but apart from this it doesn’t appear a lot is being done. In fact, quite the opposite, as more and more resort style accommodation is opening, it seems Bali is being replicated in other parts of Indonesia by investment from overseas. Areas such as the Gilli islands that are now becoming tourist hot spots.

How We Can Help

Incorporate some remote travel into your itinerary. Head for places like North Bali which incorporates the beautiful rice paddy fields of Ubud, with so much more culture. Travelling to these areas can mean discovering new and hidden treasures as well as stunning boutique  hotels owned by locals thus supporting the country’s local economy.

We visited Lombok which is known as the sister island of Bali and it has a much quieter vibe with far less visitors and reminds us a little of how Bali used to be around 25 years ago. Accommodation prices are also more reasonable.

Tours & Activities in Bali

Dubrovnik

Overtourism Issues

Due to the popularity of TV series ‘Game of Thrones’, Dubrovnik has becoming a bit of a hot spot amongst travellers, cruise ships and party goers over the last 10-15 years.

The city’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and its reported that back in 2016, 10,000 people purchased tickets to the defensive walls of the city in just one day! UNESCO is concerned that a huge amount of traffic will damage buildings and local community that has already seen 80% reduction of residents, who have already moved out of the area.

Preventative Actions

In 2019, Dubrovnik was restricted to two cruise ships a day and also maximum of 5,000 visitors per day being allowed into the old town, with number decreasing to 4000. Cameras were installed in the city’s entrance to track the number of visitors as well as reducing the number of souvenir stands and restaurant tables to keep numbers at a minimum.

How You Can Help

Travelling during shoulder season (May, June, September, October). As always there are less crowded destinations that can be accessed via Split, such as Zadar or Vis, which have similar Adriatic Sea settings.

Tours & Activities in Dubrovnik

Barcelona, Spain

Overtourism Issues

Barcelona sees a staggering 32 million tourists annually this could be in part as being home to the Mediterranean’s largest park. Back in 1990, 115,000 cruise visitors came to Barcelona compared to 2.7 million in 2016. These passengers are generally day trippers and not adding to local economy by staying in hotels.

With cruises in town the most popular sites passengers will head for on their day trip are:

• La Sagrada Familia.
• Parc Güell.
• La Rambla.

Preventative Actions

Barcelona’s Mayor has talked about the idea of introducing a tourist tax that could charge visitors who are not staying overnight and just in Barcelona as a day trip. Back in January 2017, a law was passed in the city reducing the amount of beds available at hotels and tourism apartments. The banning of coaches into the city centre as well as Segway’s, similar to some other European capitals, is thought to be helping the situation.

How We Can Help

On your visit to Barcelona, instead of a Airbnb, opt for a licensed hotels or even hostel. How about locating a neighbourhood that’s not so well known such as L’Eixample. Learn about your chosen area and what it has to offer and if you still want to head to the main sites, chose off season when crowds are low as opposed to peaks season.

Tours & Activities in Barcelona

Top Overtourism Prevention Tips For Travellers

• Do your very best to travel in shoulder season or even out of season. Some destinations can suffer from a low season lull but are still just as beautiful in autumn or even winter months. The crowds will be significantly less and the temperatures bearable. Plus, museums, restaurants, bars and places of interest are easier to walk straight into without queues.
• If you love a spot of adventure, how about finding alternatives to some of the very popular sites, as mentioned in this article with regards to Thailand, Angkor Wat and Boracay.
• Travel at a slower pace, stay longer in each destination and reduce your carbon footprint. Get a taste for the country by meeting the locals, learning the lay of the land and appreciating life in a different locale.
• Second city tourism is a thing. Try it! Explore the lesser-known destinations in a country as often these can be just as beautiful and untouched by tourism.
• Keep everything local. Stay in locally owned and run accommodation, organise tours through local guides, eat at local restaurants, scope out ways you can help the local community with your skills, especially if you’re having an extended visit.
• Use social media to raise awareness of overtourism and post about places that may not be so well known too, Give your social media audience a taste for the ‘real’ country not just the glossy well curated insta image.

Overtourism In Popular Destinations Round-Up

Overtourism is simply not a simple problem, it affects communities, cultures, and the environment. While travel has the power to connect people and support local economies, unchecked visitor numbers can strain infrastructure, raise living costs, and erode the very experiences that attract travellers in the first place. Addressing overtourism therefore requires cooperation between governments, businesses, and travellers themselves.

Solutions such as smarter destination management, spreading tourism across seasons and regions, and investing in sustainable infrastructure can help restore balance. Equally important is the role of responsible travellers who choose to respect local cultures, reduce their environmental impact, and support local businesses.

Ultimately, the future of tourism depends on finding a balance between exploration and preservation. By rethinking how and where we travel, it is possible to protect destinations while still allowing people to experience the cultural and natural diversity that makes travel so valuable. Sustainable tourism is not about travelling less buy more about traveling better.

The most important things to remember is to try and travel in low or off peak season and whilst you’re at your destination, support as many local businesses as you can, including accommodation, guides, restaurants, artisans.

Next Steps

Why not read one of my sustainable destination itineraries which includes Langkawi, Tunisia Hotels, Washington DC, Kerala, Houston to mention a few or head to my section on hotels if you love eco-friendly accommodation options. Don’t forget to check out my vegetarian foodie guides!

For a round up of my latest posts, offers, insider gossip, sign up to my newsletter, Be-in-the Know and become an exclusive Be-Collective Insider!

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