Europe struggles with uncontrolled tourism growth

In recent years, mass tourism in Europe has sparked significant local protests against overtourism, with incidents reported across various locations from Tenerife to the Louvre. This summer, 2025 has been particularly notable for the local discontent as residents express their frustrations over overcrowding and the commercialization of their neighborhoods. Individuals, including the chairman of a well-known UK-based tour operator, have remarked that tourism, traditionally a seasonal affair, has transformed into all-year-round influxes of visitors that disrupt local communities. Such continuous waves of tourists are largely attributed to budget airlines and short-term rental platforms like Airbnb. Destinations that once prided themselves on being hidden gems are now overwhelmed by heavy foot traffic, raising concerns about sustainability and the potential gentrification of local cultures. One vocal critic of this trend notes that as tourism evolves, it’s crucial for locales to selectively choose the type of tourists they wish to engage with to maintain their authenticity and charm. This sentiment is echoed by residents of areas like Palma, which have stopped promoting themselves entirely to encourage a more sustainable tourism model. While local economies heavily depend on tourism for their survival, an increasing number of residents voice their dissatisfaction with tourists who do not uphold the region's values or respect its cultural heritage. As a response, various European cities, including Venice, have introduced measures such as fees for day-trippers to limit tourist numbers and focus on attracting visitors willing to contribute positively to the local economy. Travel specialists warn that if this trend continues, many traditional tourist spots could face irreversible changes that obliterate their original appeal. With the growing number of tourists venturing to the same popular spots, the need for more sustainable, responsible tourism practices becomes ever more critical. Consequently, cities are beginning to take action to safeguard local interests and limit the influx of tourists who contribute less economically while overwhelming the local infrastructure. Experts believe that without conscious attempts to manage tourism more effectively, we may see the decline of numerous idyllic destinations known for their unique charm and culture.