Overtourism: Too much of a good thing?

Travel has become an integral part of our lives, with hotels, airlines, social media influencers, and cruise companies enticing us to explore the world. However, the reality of crowded tourist destinations and long lines is often overlooked in the glossy travel brochures and Instagram posts. Paige McClanahan, a seasoned travel writer from Paris, highlights the challenges faced by popular tourist spots around the world due to the overwhelming number of visitors.

In her book “The New Tourist,” McClanahan delves into the exponential growth of tourism fueled by guidebooks, budget airlines, and social media. The Louvre in Paris, the world’s most-visited museum, serves as a prime example of the pressures faced by iconic tourist attractions. In fact, in June 2025, Louvre employees went on strike due to the inability to handle the large crowds.

Venice, another popular destination, struggles with overtourism as 30 million visitors flock to the city each year, outnumbering the local population by 600 times. To combat the influx of tourists, Venice implemented a fee for day-trippers and banned massive cruise ships from docking in the city. Similarly, Portofino introduced new rules to manage the behavior of tourists, with fines for violations like drinking alcohol in public.

Across Europe, countries are implementing measures to regulate tourism. Spain has cracked down on illegal Airbnbs and introduced taxes to encourage longer stays. Amsterdam, known for its canals and crowds, saw a record 23 million tourists in 2024. Anouschka Trauschke, a former tour company manager, now runs Tours That Matter, focusing on less-trafficked areas to ease the burden on popular spots.

Residents like Edwin Scholvinck in Amsterdam’s red-light district are advocating for a more sustainable approach to tourism. Community campaigns like We Live Here aim to show visitors the residential side of the city. While these efforts are commendable, economist Jasper van Dijk believes more drastic measures, such as higher tourist taxes, are needed to limit the number of visitors.

As destinations grapple with the challenges of overtourism, McClanahan emphasizes the need for responsible travel. She believes that tourists have a responsibility to respect and preserve the places they visit. By working together, travelers can ensure that tourism becomes a constructive force for humanity. Ultimately, the balance between tourism and sustainability lies in the hands of both travelers and destination communities.