Tourism organizations are rethinking strategies to balance economic benefits with managing overcrowding
Jan 20, 2025
Higher visitor fees, cruise ship bans, restrictions on hotels and rentals, and protests like the water pistol incidents in Barcelona have highlighted efforts to curb overtourism in 2024. Despite these measures, experts say the growing demand for travel will keep overtourism a pressing issue for destinations, residents, and visitors alike.
Key takeaways
- While some progress has been made – such as a growing desire among travelers to seek out lesser-known destinations and local governments recognizing the need for more robust planning – experts also warn that there’s still a long way to go;
- There’s little reason to expect the tide to recede by the summer of 2025, which could be as chaotic and saturated as the 2024 season;
- While overtourism poses challenges, it also creates opportunities. Lesser-visited areas are promoting themselves as “destination dupes,” offering authentic experiences near popular hubs with fewer crowds-a trend that gained traction in 2024.
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