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Overtourism in Europe -

According to the European Travel Commission’s Trends and Prospects report in 2023, Europe is almost back to pre-pandemic tourist arrivals. In the first quarter of 2023, 426 million nights were spent in tourist accommodation in the EU—28% more than in the same period in 2022.

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The impact of overtourism -

Negative effects of overtourism include damage to historical sites, disrespect for local cultures and customs, pollution, and littering.

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Destinations cracking down on overtourism: Portofino, Italy -

In Portofino, tourists lingering in popular Instagram spots to take selfies could be fined €275 (US$307) for creating a dangerous situation. “No waiting” areas are intended to prevent traffic jams and congested pavements during peak season.

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Rome, Italy -

Tourists in Rome may face high fines or even bans at attractions in an attempt to quash out-of-line tourist behavior. Men are no longer allowed to go shirtless in public, and “love padlocks” are forbidden from being secured to bridges.

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Athens, Greece -

The Acropolis in Athens capped visitor numbers at 20,000 in September 2023 to reduce footfall at the monument. Tourists will also have to book a time slot in advance with caps changing from hour to hour between 8 am and 8 pm.

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Hallstatt, Austria -

Hallstatt, an Austrian town said to have inspired the Arendelle in the movie 'Frozen' (2013), is attempting to deter tourists from visiting by installing wooden fences that obstruct lakeside views of the area that make for a popular picture backdrop.

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Amsterdam, the Netherlands -

Amsterdam is attempting to combat overtourism by limiting the number of river cruises entering the city's waterways and banning the construction of new hotels to reduce overnight visitors.

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Dubrovnik, Croatia -

A “Respect the City” campaign in Dubrovnik introduced measures aimed at visitors, such as bans on walking around in swimwear, driving without special permission, eating and drinking around cultural monuments, and climbing on the city walls. All offenses are punishable by fines and even criminal charges.

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Prague, Czechia -

A district council in Prague is planning to ban costumes worn by bachelor and bachelorette parties to tackle overtourism and noise pollution and reduce the toll of nightlife on locals.

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Consider the experience you'd like to have -

When planning a vacation, think about what you want from the experience. Do you want excitement or to relax? You may want to go to Barcelona, but San Sebastián could be a better fit for you.

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Show respect to the locals -

Be respectful to the residents by learning a little of the language, visiting local establishments instead of chains, and being mindful of noise levels if you're traveling with a group.

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Don't take photos of people -

Don't film or take photos of residents, especially in Berlin, for your holiday reel. If you must take a snapshot, at least ask for permission first.

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Put the phone down -

Staging photoshoots in front of a scenic viewpoint or landmark is a surefire way to irritate locals. And while taking a few snaps is fine, it's better to put your phone away and live in the moment.

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Step outside your comfort zone -

Leave the touristy hotspot and step outside your comfort zone, whether that's trying a local dish you've never tried before or visiting a less-trendy area.

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Visit during the off-season -

Visiting during the off-season means fewer crowds, more affordable accommodation, and, most importantly, less strain on local businesses.

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Incorporate a city break into a longer, slower trip -

Focus on one destination, like Rome, for example, and then visit the smaller towns surrounding it, rather than trying to tick off all of Italy's highlights within one week.

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Understand the impact of your visit -

Overtourism has negative economic repercussions. In Barcelona, there has been a 68% increase in rent over the last 10 years. Tourists should take this into consideration when planning their trip and where to stay.

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Local is best -

Hire a local tour guide to help you navigate the city. They'll help you avoid the crowds, show you the best viewpoints, and help you navigate the etiquette of religious sites.

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Don't day trip -

Day-trippers contribute to overcrowding and often don't spend much money during their visits, bringing few benefits. Consider staying the night instead of just a few hours at a destination.

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Take cash -

While tipping in Europe isn't as common as in the US, it’s nice to have cash on hand to show appreciation for people who go above and beyond in their service.

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Beware destination dupes -

While swapping the Canary Islands for Madeira might seem like a good idea, it will only result in overtourism in currently lesser-visited places.

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Rediscover home -

Do you need to go abroad for your summer vacation? Consider rediscovering your own region or taking a road trip to another city if you want some hustle and bustle.

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Take the train -

The rise of low-cost airlines has allowed the development of cheap city breaks and short trips, contributing to overtourism. It's not just Paris and Brussels that can be easily reached by train these days; you can also get to Bari or Brindisi in Italy by rail.

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Reconsider coolcations -

Coolcations are vacations in cooler countries like Iceland and Norway to avoid the Mediterranean’s rising temperatures, droughts, and wildfires. Some argue that places that have been damaged by a natural disaster need tourists to generate revenue and help with recovery.

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Ditch the drone -

While selfie sticks are becoming a thing of the past, there is still anti-social behavior taking place in order to get the perfect picture, including drone photography. Consider buying a postcard instead of disturbing the locals.

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Boycott cruise ships -

While a cruise may seem like an easy way to visit some of Europe's best cities in one seamless vacation, it is the most carbon-intensive way to travel, and ships can unload up to three times a day, with as many as 10,000 passengers descending on a single location.

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Consider camping -

Camping can be a low-impact way of vacationing, and you'll find countless campsites close to many European cities, so you can enjoy nature without straying too far from famous landmarks and urban attractions.

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Choose your accomodation carefully -

Short-stay rentals have driven up rents in many cities across Europe, making it increasingly difficult for local residents to find affordable housing. On the other hand, hotels often have significant resource consumption, and large chains may not always contribute substantially to the local economy.

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Consider the coach -

Coaches are great for lesser-known city-to-city travel. Plus, fewer cars on the road means less congestion and less CO2 emissions.

Sources: (Time Out) (The Guardian) (The Independent) (Forbes)

See also: How popular destinations are fighting overtourism

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