14 Famous Attractions That Have Been Ruined by Overtourism

In recent years, tourism has become more popular, and once-quiet places have become tourist hot spots. Tourism can bring in money, but there are huge downsides. Overtourism damages the environment, erodes local cultures, and diminishes the experience for both tourists and residents.

The numbers are growing as many travelers visit these famous spots and experience their history, but they can undermine the things that make these places so special. Here, we examine some of the world’s most famous attractions, all riddled with overtourism scars.

Venice, Italy

In its day, Venice was a place of historic architecture and winding canals—a place to escape However, millions of tourists drown the city every year. The narrow streets are often packed, and large cruise ships often dock, exacerbating the problem. The onslaught of so many visitors threatens the lagoon’s delicate ecosystem. Venice has become a quiet haven for many locals but more of a tourist playground.

Machu Picchu, Peru

The ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, famed as a quiet, spiritual place, clings to the Andes high in Peru. A surge in visitors is starting to damage this historical site. The environment surrounding the pristine ruins is continually under pressure, and the ruins are eroding. Already, the damage from years of heavy foot traffic is evident, and authorities have had to raise entry limits not only to conserve the site but also to shield it from visitors.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini’s stunning sunsets and iconic whitewashed buildings attract millions of tourists every year —However, the island was not built to withstand that many visitors, which has led to overcrowded streets, overwhelmed public services, and a loss of authenticity. Visitors are now crowding its quaint villages, so what was once a dreamy escape from the city hustle and bustle is often lost.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona offers rich culture, amazing architecture, and midnight life— However, overtourism has unfortunately been stressing the city’s resources and locals are frustrated. Efforts to curtail this, including limiting Airbnb rentals and promoting sustainable travel, have failed so far.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is famous for its medieval charm, which was used in Game of Thrones, and is now a major tourist draw. Boasting an incredible number of daily visitors, the small city has a lot to cope with. The historic Old Town was once a peaceful enclave, but these days, it’s often jammed, with wearing and tearing on the old structures. This picturesque city has an overwhelming tourism boom to preserve its character.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali’s lush landscapes and rich culture have drawn travelers for many years. Today, however, the island is experiencing problems with tourism. More and more tourist accommodations are backing up tranquil beaches, and local communities are displaced—However, beyond those worries, the island has worn thin under the harm associated with plastic pollution and overdevelopment, not to mention the debate over whether the virtue of expensive vacations is worth the environmental cost.

Paris, France

The city that has earned worldwide fame for its romantic atmosphere and historical landmarks has also been infected by over-tourism. The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are so popular that the lines are long and you don’t get the most out of your experience. You can say that authentic Parisian neighborhoods are now touristy, sometimes to the detriment of their original charm.

Reykjavik, Iceland

More visitors visit Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, to see the country’s stunning natural beauty. The small city and surrounding areas have struggled to cope with the growing demand. At natural attractions, there has been an element of overcrowding, and concerns about wear on fragile ecosystems.

Kyoto, Japan

Centuries-old temples, serene gardens, and traditional tea houses have made Kyoto a must-visit for those wanting some Japanese heritage. Tourists have flooded the city’s narrow streets and historic sites, leaving many locals with disrupted daily lives and making the once-peaceful Kyoto more difficult to find.

Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park is the only place in Canada with mountains, turquoise lakes, and such natural beauty surrounding it— Unfortunately, the park has become a victim of its popularity. It is already so crowded with hiking trails, packed parking lots, and heavy tourism that it’s already taking an environmental toll.

Rome, Italy

Among Rome’s historical treasures, the Colosseum and the Vatican attract millions of tourists every year. The influx of visitors means long lines and crowded spaces that take away from the enjoyment of exploring these ancient sites. The city’s infrastructure is struggling, and locals are not shy about talking about how mass tourism affects their everyday lives.

The Great Wall of China

Too many tourists have worn down the Great Wall of China. So many visitors want to see its grandeur, but it’s crowded and hard to take in when you’re in those very popular sections of the wall. With constant foot traffic, this structure has been worn on and worn out, so steps are being taken to limit access and preserve it for generations.

The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The pristine environments and unparalleled wildlife of the Galápagos Islands make them a huge tourist attraction, but they are also threatened. An inflow of visitors is straining the fragile ecosystems of the islands. Limiting the impact without losing the tourism side continues to be a challenge, but a number of strict regulations have been made to drive the point home.

Mount Everest, Nepal

Mount Everest is the world’s highest peak. Now the mountain is a victim of overtourism — the growing number of climbers come with overcrowding, litter, and even safety concerns. The number of permits handed out is being controlled, but it’s obvious that heavy tourism is taking its toll on this iconic peak.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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