Overtourism woes: From restrictions in Kyoto and Fuji to day passes in Venice, what changed for tourists? (2024)

There’s travel and everything good that comes with it, and then there is overtourism. The meaning of the term ‘overtourism’ is quite clear. Overtourism is when a destination becomes overwhelmed by an excessive number of visitors, leading to various negative impacts on the environment, local communities, and the tourists' own experiences. In simpler words, overtourism occurs when the number of tourists exceeds the capacity of the destination to manage them sustainably.

Popular tourist spots, such as historic cities and towns, natural landmarks, and cultural sites, are particularly susceptible to overtourism. When we look deeper into the problem, some things pop up like a sore thumb – a) the growth of budget airlines, b) easy availability of vacation rental platforms, and c) the influence of social media. Unfortunately, we now live in a world where ‘if you didn’t post it, did it even happen?’ is the go-to feeling.

Not too long ago, the world, as one unit, went through Covid-19 pandemic. Forget about travelling to new countries, we couldn’t even step out of our homes due to prolonged lockdowns. But since nothing is permanent, we too overcame the pandemic and finally were able to stretch…quite literally.

When the world was coming out of travel restrictions, slowly and steadily, we saw the rise of ‘Revenge Tourism’, something that emerged post lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. After prolonged lockdowns, travel bans, and social distancing measures, people around the world experienced a pent-up desire to explore and reconnect with destinations they had been unable to visit during the pandemic. What the world saw was a significant and often sudden increase in travel bookings and tourism activities. What else do you do to make up for lost time and missed experiences?

The spike in travel demand has been particularly notable in popular vacation spots, leading to overcrowded destinations, strained infrastructure, and heightened environmental concerns. For local communities, overtourism often results in rising living costs, housing shortages, and the erosion of cultural heritage as traditional ways of life are altered to cater to tourist demands. For tourists themselves, overcrowded attractions diminish the quality of their experience, often resulting in long wait times, degraded sites, and a lack of authenticity.

Speaking of popular destinations and overtourism, here are some perfect examples of the perils of overtourism, and how things have changed for these destinations and also for tourists.

Venice: In order to tackle mass tourism and overcrowding, Venice is all set to enforce some new regulations from June 2024. The regulations will limit tourist walking groups to 25 people and ban the use of loudspeakers in the historic centre and on the islands of Burano, Murano, and Torcello. Groups exceeding 25 people will be prohibited from entering the city. Also, the city has introduced a groundbreaking initiative by charging day trippers a five-euro (EUR 5) entry fee, the first measure of its kind globally. This initiative aims to tackle the challenges of mass tourism that have overwhelmed the city's infrastructure. As per this new rule, day visitors must purchase the ticket, with inspectors conducting spot checks at key points within the UNESCO World Heritage site to ensure compliance. The measure seeks to manage tourist influx and alleviate the strain on Venice's infrastructure, preserving its unique heritage and environment for future generations.

Mount Fuji, Japan: In response to the disruptive behaviour of poorly behaved foreign tourists in Fujikawaguchiko town, the Japanese authorities have installed a massive barrier (2.5-meter (8ft) high mesh net that stretches 20 metres) to deter crowds from overcrowding a popular photo spot with views of Mount Fuji. Also, Japan is set to impose a toll and a daily limit on the number of climbers permitted on Mount Fuji. The Yamanashi prefectural government will introduce these measures to address challenges such as strained facilities, rising injuries, and litter concerns. Starting July 1, at the beginning of the 70-day summer climbing season, there will be a daily cap of 4,000 climbers on the popular Yoshida Trail. This decision aims to manage the influx of hikers and preserve the iconic mountain.

Kyoto, Japan: For those who were waiting to visit Japan and see the iconic geisha streets in Gion district in Kyoto, please know that in response to overtourism post-pandemic, Gion is imposing visitor restrictions to protect resident concerns and cultural integrity. Visitors are no longer allowed in private alleys within Gion, a move aimed at addressing disruptive tourist behaviour in this historic area. The district, known for its tea houses where geishas and their apprentices perform, has been a source of frustration for locals due to the influx of tourists. Despite previous efforts like warning signs and fines for unauthorised photography, the challenges persist, necessitating stricter regulations. Why tourists, why?

Char Dham, Uttarakhand, India: In response to the surge in tourists, the Uttarakhand government has banned mobile phone usage and prohibited photography and video recording within a 200-metre radius of the Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri temples. Additionally, only registered vehicles will be allowed on the Chardham routes to streamline traffic and ensure a safer, more organised pilgrimage experience for devotees. Recently, officials turned back over 650 pilgrims on their way to Badrinath due to a lack of mandatory registration, a system that was put in place in order to check overtourism and to have smoother management of the sites.

Mount Everest, Nepal: Photos depicting traffic jams and extensive rubbish at Everest Base Camp have drawn attention to overtourism on the mountain, prompting questions about the sustainability and ethics of climbing Everest. In response, the Nepali government has introduced new regulations for climbers in 2024 to enhance safety and reduce waste accumulation. These regulations include limiting climbing groups to 15 people, mandating the use of emergency tracking devices, and requiring expeditions to use shared toilet tents. Climbers proceeding beyond Base Camp must carry their bodily waste in poo bags and transport at least eight kilograms of rubbish down the mountain at the end of their expedition. These measures aim to mitigate environmental damage and ensure a more sustainable approach to Everest climbing.

Bali, Indonesia: Foreign tourists visiting Bali are encountering pricier trips, courtesy of a newly imposed tourist levy of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately $10). This fee, also called "tourist levy," is mandated upon arrival at the airport or can be settled through the government's designated website or mobile application. The levy aims to channel funds towards various governmental initiatives, including cultural and environmental preservation efforts, enhancement of public services, and infrastructure development. By imposing this levy, the Indonesian government seeks to alleviate the strain on Bali's resources caused by the influx of tourists and ensure sustainable tourism practices. This move reflects a broader trend globally, where destinations are increasingly exploring means to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of their cultural and environmental heritage.

Bhutan: Bhutan adopted a sustainable tourism approach called "High Value Low Impact" in the 1980s to preserve its cultural and environmental heritage. Tourists are required to pay a daily fee of US$250 during the high season and US$200 during the low season, which covers minimum spending requirements for meals, accommodations, land transport, and guide services. This approach aims to ensure a meaningful experience for guests while educating them about Bhutanese culture and values. Group tours are small and led by certified local guides, offering customised itineraries and accommodations. Additional expenses like luxury lodging and personal items are not included in the daily fee.

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Amsterdam: To tackle overcrowding and combat overtourism, Amsterdam has put a ban on the construction of new hotels, and plans to limit river cruise stays. The city council aims to maintain livability for both residents and visitors by capping tourist hotel stays at 20 million annually and halting new hotel developments. New hotels can only be built if an existing one shuts down, with exceptions for those improving sustainability standards. Additionally, Amsterdam is considering significant reductions in river boat cruises as part of a comprehensive strategy to address overtourism.

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Thanks to overtourism, we may have lost chances of having more unique and memorable experiences. With time, these popular cities and towns are bringing in changes in order to preserve cultural heritage, have a more sustainable environment, and ensure the well-being of local communities. Cities and countries worldwide are increasingly implementing innovative measures such as visitor caps, tourism levies, and stringent regulations on new developments to manage tourist flows and mitigate negative impacts. As travellers, all we can do on our part, is to not exacerbate the present situation of overtourism. Till things improve, on the internet, we have photos of places we can no longer freely and easily visit.