Popular vacation spots, from cities to natural wonders, have been dealing with overcrowding in recent years. The impact has been heavy on the natural resources and the locals, so many destinations have employed different methods to limit visitation. From levying tourist taxes to daily limits on access, here are 15 ways popular tourist destinations like Venice are combating overcrowding. Guests with hotel reservations are exempt from this restriction.
Daily limit on visitation in Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu has set a limit on the number of tourists allowed on the site daily, and no one is allowed in once the quota is reached. The daily limit is 4500 in regular seasons and 5600 during the high season. These numbers are divided into different routes and time slots to prevent overcrowding.
Entry Fees for Day Trippers in Venice, Italy
Venice is one of the cities that has greatly suffered the impacts of overtourism. It hasn’t just reduced the quality of the tourist hotspots, particularly the canals. It has affected the quality of life for the locals in many ways, some of whom have had to relocate to other areas. As a result, the city limits visitation by imposing a 5€ daily fee for day trippers who pay no later than 4 days before the day of access. The fine doubles if you pay within four days of your arrival.
Summer Fines for Walking Barefoot and Drinking in Public in Portofino, Italy
Portofino, one of Italy’s most stunning seaside towns, has implemented more bans to combat mass visitation. Travelers are now prohibited from walking barefoot through the town and wearing swimsuits outside the lounging areas. Furthermore, you can only drink alcohol in bars and restaurants, and not on the streets. Fines for violations of these rules range from 25 euros to 500 euros, depending on the offense committed.
Cannes, France, is putting measures in place to Manage Cruise Ship Visits
The charming city of Cannes is among the latest world-famous destinations to join others in tackling overtourism. From January 1, 2026, the French Riviera gem will put a cap on cruise ship entry to the port. Up to 6,000 passengers will be allowed to disembark daily, and cruise ships carrying more than 1,000 at a time won’t be allowed in.
Timed Entry Reservations in Popular US National Parks
Popular national parks, including Rocky Mountain, Glacier, and Zion, require timed entry reservations during the high travel season. How does this work? The timed entry reservation tickets are separate from the park entrance fee and are available on a rolling basis. You can book up to 6 months in advance. They are meant to manage vehicle access and allow visitors to enjoy immersive experiences. You can enter these parks without tickets before 7 am or after 4 pm.
Car Restriction on the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast, with its dramatic coastline and colorful villages, is a bucket list vacation spot for many. It’s among the latest European destinations to experience overtourism and develop measures to limit visitation. The region is now restricting vehicle access on the Amalfi Drive, based on license plate numbers, during peak season. Cars with even-numbered plates only access the road on even-numbered days, and vice versa for those with odd-numbered plates.
Amsterdam Has Implemented Plenty of Measures to Combat Mass Tourism
Amsterdam has been struggling with overcrowding in recent years and has implemented several measures (over 75 and still counting), including limiting river cruises and banning the construction of new hotels to restrict visitation. To further deal with the nuisance caused by visitors, the city has prohibited adding more beds to hotels. It is also considering spreading out coffee shops concentrated in the city center.
Plans Are Underway to Install a 40-Buoy Barrier to Protect Capri’s Precious Coastline
Capri is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations, thanks to its breathtaking natural scenery, historic charm, and glamorous appeal. However, the influx of tourists, which can hit 16,000 a day, has put a strain on the island’s natural resources, and managing overcrowding has been challenging. Capri’s officials are considering creating a barrier of 40 buoys to protect the coastline from damage and ensure swimmers’ safety. They also plan to limit the number of ferries arriving at Marina Grande, the main harbor.
Bali’s Efforts Towards Limiting Visitation Include Levying a Tourism Tax on International Visitors
Bali is one of the most beloved destinations on the planet, and as a result of mass tourism, the natural resources are strained to the point that locals wonder whether it’s all been worth it. To combat overtourism, the island is levying a $10 tax on international visitors. The money is used to support environmental initiatives and infrastructure improvements. It has also designated some areas, including forests and rice terraces, as green zones, where strict rules apply to commercial activities.
Rome Has Limited Short-Term Term Rentals to Manage Visitor Traffic
Rome’s wealth of ancient sites, world-famous landmarks, and vibrant artistic vibes attracts over 30 million visitors annually. The Italian government recently banned the key boxes and keypads that gave visitors access to Airbnbs and other short-term rentals at their convenience. Instead, you’ll be able to meet one-on-one with hosts. This means you and your host will have a set and approved time to communicate and meet in person. This takes away the flexibility travelers previously enjoyed, but that shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying your trip. With a proper plan and communication through the official app, you can still have a fantastic time in Rome or anywhere in Italy.
Athens’ Acropolis Reduced Number of Tourists Visiting to 20,000 Per Day
The Acropolis is a unique symbol of Ancient Greece, and a combination of historical, cultural, and artistic marvels brings millions of tourists annually. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is experiencing mass tourism, which has strained its infrastructure. The city of Athens has limited the daily visits to a maximum of 20,000 and made timed entry slots mandatory.
The Number of Cruise Ships Entering Islands Like Santorini and Mykonos has Been Reduced
Santorini and Mykonos are two of Greece’s most sought-after island getaways, and as a result, suffer from overtourism. To tackle mass travel, a €20 tax is levied on every vacationer arriving on a cruise ship during the high season (June 1 through September 30). The fees drop to €12 in October and only €4 between November 1 and March 31.
There Are Strict Regulations to Protect the Galapagos Islands’ Resources
The Galapagos Islands’ delicate natural resources have experienced negative impacts due to mass tourism. As a result, the National Park Service has imposed stricter rules to cap visitation. Doubling park entry fees, a cap on day cruises, and notable efforts to promote sustainable practices are some measures put in place to combat mass tourism. Visitors can only witness the park’s natural beauty in the company of a licensed guide.
Visitor Numbers Are Capped in Maya Bay, Thailand, to Limit Environmental Damage
The world-famous beach paradise, Maya Bay, has limited visitation to protect its precious natural landscapes and ecosystems. The cove, the film location for the movie “The Beach,” was closed in 2018 to allow its ecosystem’s recovery, which was seriously damaged by overtourism. It partially reopened in January 2022 and again in October 2024 after being shut down for two months to allow restoration of the damaged environment. The National Park Service developed stricter regulations, allowing only up to one hour for every visitation.
Okinawa, Japan, Introduced Visitor Number Limitations to Combat Mass Tourism
Okinawa is one of Japan’s best beach destinations and is a favorite among domestic and international travelers. The prefecture, particularly its remote islands like Iriomote, has been dealing with mass tourism, which has had impacts, including damage to natural resources and water shortages. To control visitation, a cap was introduced on the number of vacationers entering Iriomote Island to a maximum of 1,200 per day.
