What does the worst vacation spot look like? Crowds, excessive noise, lack of free space and the inability to enjoy the sights. This is how the most popular resorts in the world can be described. We talk about excessive tourism and cities that should be avoided in order not to spoil your next vacation

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The number of travelers visiting popular locations is increasing every year. And while tourism usually brings considerable income to the local community, it also has a negative impact on the environment and local residents.

The increase in the number of vacationers in certain regions of the world even causes concern among workers in the tourism industry. That is why the concept of excessive tourism began to appear in recent years. How does it affect the environment? Which countries are recognized as the worst places to relax? Details in this article.

How does excessive tourism affect the environment?

- A large number of tourists creates an additional burden on the country's ecosystem - an excessive number of travelers increases the demand for resources such as water, energy and land. In some cases, this leads to the depletion of natural resources, the destruction of animal habitats and the destruction of complex ecosystems.

- Additional pollution – if the region is not suitable for a large number of people. Unregulated tourism activities increase the amount of waste, which can lead to contamination of water sources and soil. Such damage to the environment threatens local residents.

- Deterioration of the living conditions of the local population - the increase in the number of travelers can lead to an increase in the cost of living, due to which it will be difficult for local residents to afford rent and the purchase of basic necessities.

- Loss of cultural heritage – traditional ceremonies are replaced by commercial attractions and activities that cater to tourists.

- Increase in noise, pollution, traffic and burden on public resources.

How does the world deal with over-tourism?

Iconic tourist destinations around the world, including several European cities, have already introduced restrictions that will help reduce the number of travelers in 2024. Among them: the introduction of a tourism tax or an increase in its size, campaigns aimed at scaring away problem visitors, as well as restrictions on visits to popular attractions.

For their part, travelers are also trying to alleviate this problem. In a 2022 survey by travel booking site Booking.com, 64% of respondents said they were willing to stay as far away from busy tourist spots as possible to avoid increased traffic. And 31% said they would even be willing to choose an alternative to their preferred destination to avoid overcrowding.

So, the top 7 places to avoid in 2024 if you're struggling with over-tourism.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

For several years, the management of Amsterdam has been actively working to reduce the number of tourists. In particular, cruise liners were prohibited from entering the central part of the city, and new hotels were also prohibited from being built within the Dutch capital. Amsterdam has introduced the highest tourist tax in Europe. In addition, the city is conducting an active campaign in social networks, letting tourists who come here for drunken bachelorette parties and to smoke weed understand that they are not welcome here.

- How to avoid the crowds: January, February and March are some of the least visited months in Amsterdam, but travelers should be prepared for cold and rainy weather.

- Alternative holiday destinations: The Hague, Utrecht and Rotterdam are great alternatives for travelers looking to stay in a Dutch city.

Also note Leiden in the Dutch province of South Holland. As in the capital, there are many river channels, bridges and many interesting museums. About an hour southwest of Amsterdam is the city of Delft, which is sometimes described as a "mini-Amsterdam".

Athens, Greece

The Acropolis was so overcrowded with tourists that in September 2023, the authorities limited the number of visitors to the site to 20,000 per day. From April 2024, the new booking system will also apply to more than 25 other archaeological sites and monuments across the country.

Also, the most popular islands of Greece suffer from excessive tourism. Therefore, starting this year, the country introduced a new "climate" tax for tourists and strengthened beach rules.

- How to avoid the crowds: plan your vacation for April or May - the weather is already warm and the summer holiday crowds haven't arrived yet.

- Alternative holiday destinations: Consider less crowded destinations, such as the islands of Folegandros or Milos, which offer tourists all the same Greek charm but with fewer tourists.

Bali, Indonesia

Travelers looking for spiritual rest, digital nomads willing to spend the cold season in a warm climate - the number of tourists in Bali has almost reached a critical mark.

In order to protect the sights, according to the government's decision, a list of what can and cannot be done on the island is added to the tourist's passport. For example, it is forbidden to swear obscenely, to touch sacred trees or buildings.

Additionally, in 2024, the Indonesian government approved a tourism tax of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah, equivalent to approximately $10.

- How to avoid the crowds: The rainy season usually falls between October and April, which means fewer tourists.

- Alternative holiday destinations: consider the islands of Bintan, Lombok and Flores.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona was one of the first European cities to ban the construction of hotels in the city center and limit short-term room rentals. Barcelona closed its northern port terminal to cruise ships in October 2023 following an agreement with local authorities to move ships further outside the city.

Also starting April 1, 2024, tourists will have to pay a higher tourist tax of €3.25, compared to €2.75 in 2023.

- How to avoid the crowds: The middle season is usually in spring and autumn.

- Alternative places for rest: Valencia, which combines a beach holiday and Spanish cultural leisure.

Paris, France

A perennial favorite among fashion and culture-loving travelers, the City of Light and future host of the 2024 Olympic Games has welcomed a flurry of visitors over the past few years.

In June 2023, French Tourism Minister Olivia Grégoire announced a plan to combat overtourism. As part of which, the Louvre museum has already announced that it will limit the daily number of visitors to 30,000 people.

- How to avoid the crowds: There will be especially many people in Paris on the eve of the Summer Olympic Games, which will begin on July 26. The off-season period lasts from November to March.

- Alternative places to relax: Lyon is a city where you can feel the fantastic French atmosphere without the crowds of travelers.

Butane

During the coronavirus pandemic, the country's residents are so used to living without tourists that they no longer want them to return. Therefore, tourists are charged a sustainable development fee when entering the country - and after the opening of the borders, it has doubled to $200 per day, so spending a week's vacation in the country is very expensive.

- How to avoid crowds: plan your trip between November and March.

- Alternative places for rest: Nepal is a stunningly beautiful country with similar tourist attractions, where tourists, on the contrary, are welcomed with open arms.

Tokyo, Japan

The Japanese capital has seen a huge influx of tourists since the borders reopened. Local authorities have already expanded transport options and imposed restrictions on the number of visitors to some tourist attractions to control over-tourism in the capital.

- How to avoid crowds: the period of maximum temperature and humidity is observed from June to August, at this time there are the fewest travelers.

- Alternative vacation spots: Fukuoka is the eighth largest city in the country, it also has a modern look, but on a slightly smaller scale.

The world is big and interesting, so we advise all responsible tourists to abandon trips to places with a high tourist load, and choose quiet and not fully explored corners of the planet for their next vacation.

Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

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