Cities tackle overtourism with taxes, limits, and pledges
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Cities around the world are responding to overtourism by testing strategies to manage visitor numbers and protect local communities.
Amsterdam has stopped investing in tourism marketing, aiming to balance visitor benefits with resident wellbeing. Barcelona banned more than 10,000 short-term rental apartments to address housing affordability, while Venice prohibited large cruise ships from its historic centre after local protests. Japan increased its international tourist tax, and Bali introduced a visitor levy to fund ecological and cultural conservation.
Bhutan controls tourism through a daily fee intended to offset carbon emissions and manage visitor impact, recently lowering the fee to encourage travel. Thailand and the Philippines temporarily closed popular beaches, Maya Bay and Boracay, to allow ecosystem recovery, implementing visitor caps and restrictions upon reopening. Palau asks tourists to sign a pledge promising responsible behaviour.
Experts note that while taxes and pledges can help, addressing the tourism industry’s focus on constant growth and prioritizing local voices in decision-making are crucial for long-term solutions.
