Peak-season visitors have significantly complicated the daily lives of residents in urban centres globally; some cities experience a surge in tourist numbers, occasionally outnumbering their inhabitants by a considerable margin. Certain tourists engage in destructive behaviour, such as a recent incident where an individual carved their name into the iconic Colosseum in Rome, Italy.

Romantic Venice straining to accommodate tourists

Venice, the "Floating City,"  is constructed across islands linked by bridges and canals and is a popular destination for international travellers. The city is already grappling with the problem of sinking due to rising water levels and faces increased challenges due to the high influx of tourists each year.

Residents complain that tourism, including the numerous cruise ships that dock, contributes to increased pollution levels in the city. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee have raised concerns about the impact on Venice's numerous historical landmarks.

To address these issues, the city has enforced stringent regulations on tourism. Offences such as littering, engaging in unruly behaviour, public nudity, attaching love locks, and defacing trees or buildings are subject to hefty fines in the city.

As of 1st June 2024, tour groups will be capped at 25 individuals, extending not only to Venice but also to the islands of Burano, Murano, and Torcello. Additionally, the use of loudspeakers will be prohibited in these areas.

These initiatives are geared towards improving life for local inhabitants, who have voiced concerns over the impact of excessive tourism on the city and its waterways. With tourist numbers frequently surpassing the local population, residents have grappled with congested pathways and bridges essential for navigation in their everyday lives.

The city made headlines years ago for its ban on large cruise ships. Furthermore, day-trippers must register online and pay a fee of up to €10 per person. Failure to pre-book and pay the fee may incur a €300 penalty.

Some exemptions

Staying overnight in the city exempts you from this fee and the requirement to reserve online, as the fees are already included in the accommodation. Other categories of visitors exempt from the fees are children under the age of six, disabled visitors, and owners of vacation apartments in Venice with proof of paying real estate taxes.

Japan is tired of unruly tourists

Japan’s Tourism Strategy has established the country as a premier destination for global tourism, attracting millions of visitors each year to explore its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural attractions. However, the surge in tourist numbers, particularly in bustling hubs like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, has sparked concerns about overcrowding and prompted calls for better management of tourist flows.

In 2018, the Sustainable Tourism Promotion Headquarters issued a "Towards a Sustainable Tourism Developed Country" policy outlining strategic guidelines to curb overtourism. However, a surge in travellers post-pandemic has prompted new strategies to address the economic advantages of tourism against the potential disadvantages for local Japanese communities.

The updated strategy advocates diverting tourists from buses to railways, particularly in Kyoto, aiming to reduce congestion. However, challenges arise due to Kyoto's underdeveloped railway system.

The initiative also promotes tourism in rural areas, emphasising their unique charm and creating special experiences, showing promise in addressing overtourism in the bigger cities. Success depends on balancing tourist attraction and sustainable economic growth for local communities.

Involving local residents in policy discussions across the 20 regions fosters inclusive decision-making and sustainable tourism. Collaborative models contribute to solving overtourism issues but must offer substantial economic benefits for local communities.

A barrier to block Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, the nation's tallest peak, offers picturesque views from numerous spots in the resort town of Fujikawaguchiko. However, this specific viewpoint is particularly attractive to tourists because it offers views of the majestic—and active—volcano that forms a backdrop behind a convenience store, a ubiquitous sight across Japan.

Japanese authorities, frustrated by the unruly behaviour of foreign tourists crowding a popular photo spot with views of Mount Fuji, plan to erect a massive barrier to obstruct the sightline. The barrier, a mesh net towering at 2.5 metres (8 feet) tall and stretching the length of a cricket pitch at 20 metres, is slated to commence construction soon. The installation of the barrier marks the most recent direct response to overtourism in Japan, following the decision by residents of Kyoto's geisha district to prohibit visitors from accessing small private alleys earlier this year.

During the upcoming summer season, hikers taking the most popular route to climb Mount Fuji will incur a fee of ¥2,000 each (equivalent to approximately £10.50, $13.35), with restrictions placed on the number of climbers to alleviate congestion.

Amsterdam is cleaning up “Party City” reputation

The Amsterdam municipality recently raised eyebrows at an unprecedented "stay away" initiative particularly aimed at British men aged 18 to 34.
Keywords like "stag night" or "cheap hotel Amsterdam" triggered stern government advertisements cautioning against reckless behaviour involving drugs and excessive drinking in the Dutch capital, highlighting potential consequences such as a €140 fine, a criminal record, and lasting health damage.

Despite criticism from many Dutch commentators, research conducted by travel industry analyst ForwardKeys, based on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) ticketing database, suggests that the campaign might be effective. Flight bookings between the UK and Amsterdam declined by 22% between 2019 and this year, while destinations like Paris and Athens saw increases.

Residents of the city centre who have long been exasperated by rowdy revellers disturbing the peace with loud noises and littering have noticed a change with fewer visitors who tend to go overboard.

Like other cities such as Barcelona and Venice, Amsterdam authorities are implementing drastic measures to curb nuisance tourism, even if it means deterring tourists: they recently imposed earlier closing times for establishments in the red-light district, prohibited cannabis smoking in public areas, in addition to the "stay away" campaign.

• See also our previous article: The Dark Side of Overtourism

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