How are hotspots coping with overtourism?

Popularity comes at a price.

What happens when destinations experience too much of a good thing?

In 2018, Boracay’s beaches went from pristine to what then President Rodrigo Duterte declared a cesspool. The island was closed to tourists for six months as part of the Filipino government’s rehabilitation projects. Pollution was the biggest issue with sewage systems struggling to cope with tourists’ waste as well as oil from boats and litter on the beach. 

While the world grappled with lack of tourism during Covid, more and more destinations are now back to setting rules and regulations to cope with overtourism.

No bachelor parties in Amsterdam

Bachelor parties are on notice in Amsterdam.

The Dutch don’t mince words. Earlier this year, Amsterdam’s city council launched a digital discouragement campaign to deter drunk British tourists. The campaign specifically targeted young men aged between 18 to 35 coming to Amsterdam looking to party. The city is infamous for its liberal laws and attracts those looking for cannabis, booze and brothels. 

"Visitors remain welcome, but not if they misbehave and are a nuisance. Then we as a city say: rather not, stay away," said Deputy mayor Sofyan Mbarki.

Search terms such as “cheap hotel Amsterdam”, “beer crawl”, “stag party” and “steak and strip” are met with government video advertisements of young men staggering in the streets, getting arrested by police. 

Tourist caps and curfews 

Stay the hall out of Hallstatt.

Other destinations have a different approach. Reportedly the inspiration behind Arendelle in the Disney movie Frozen, Hallstatt is definitely worth a visit. But the quaint, picture perfect Austrian town with balconies blooming with red geraniums has had its fill with tourists. 

The year before Covid, around a million visitors stopped into the town and it’s estimated that during the high season it attracts as many as 10,000 visitors per day. 

Overnight, residents erected a wooden fence to block one of the best scenic spots where tourists would gather for a shot of the town. Finally, in August 2023 Hallstatt’s 700 inhabitants took part in a protest against mass tourism by blocking the main road to the town. Their demands? A daily cap on visitors and a 5pm curfew for tour buses. 

Lots of tourists demands better infrastructure

The Miyajima shrine now charges a fee to visit.

Japan is another destination that’s inundated with tourists. With strict Covid rules, it was one of the last countries to open back up after the pandemic. Since 2022, tourists have been returning in droves. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 311,080 Australians have visited the country of the rising sun between July 2022 and June 2023. 

This year, the tourism ministry unveiled an overtourism prevention plan – how very Japanese. It includes bolstering transport systems by boosting buses and taxi fleets, and sending taxis in cities struggling to keep up with demand such as Niseko and Hokkaido during ski season. 

The ministry is also drawing visitors away from Tokyo and Kyoto by highlighting 11 other destinations – such as Ise-Shima in Mie Prefecture and eastern Hokkaido – especially for their natural areas and rural attractions which can’t be found in the big smoke. The plan is to support local municipalities and promote activities unique to the regions. 

As of October 1, the Miyajima Visitor Tax is applied in the city of Hatsukaichi where tourists flock for a glimpse of the famous floating shrine of Itsukushima Shinto. The cheap $1 fee might not deter tourists, but the council will put the tax towards improving tourism infrastructure – including public bathrooms – and maintaining the shrine. 

What’s the solution for overtourism? 

Granted tourists should be respectful of residents and remember they are visitors. But governments also have their part to play in creating cohesion and infrastructure to support and preserve the destination. And for those of us who hate a crowd, travel during low season or venture off the beaten path. 

How to avoid tourist hotspots

Travel off peak

Best to avoid school holidays and local festivals. For Europe, aim for late May or early October.

Find dupes

Destinations like Capri and Santorini are stunning but they are overrun with ship-loads of daytrippers. Procida, off the coast of Naples, has all the Capri charm without the crowds. For Santorini, visit the much quieter Kythira. As one of the last unspoilt islands of Greece, you can watch the sun fall into the ocean without it being a group activity.

Swap Santorini for Kythera.

Choose a destination that’s not on Instagram

Many of us use social media for travel inspiration but if the destination keeps being featured by TikTokers and influencers, do not go there. Other tourists will be flocking there in no time to mimic Insta-famous shots.

Skip the capital

Instead of going to Paris, catch the TGV and head south to the enchanting city of Lyon. Paris might be the capital of the country but as the hometown of Paul Bocuse – the godfather of French gastronomy – Lyon is the capital of French cuisine.

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Originally published as How are hotspots coping with overtourism?