15 Countries Where Locals Hate Tourists

Tourism brings people from every corner of the earth to experience natural wonders, iconic cities, and incredible cultural experiences, however, there are many downsides to this especially when not properly controlled. Locals who have to put up with endless crowds, constant disruptions, and sometimes less-than-polite behavior from visitors grow tired of the tourism industry and this has led to some tension between tourists and locals.

If you’re planning a trip to any of these places, be mindful, show respect, and remember—you’re stepping into someone else’s everyday life.

Italy

Italy is a dream for Romantic canals, Historical treasures and charming seaside villages, but places like Venice and Florence have been struggling with over-tourism for a long time. Cruise ships and day trippers clogging the waterways in Venice, for instance, have disrupted everyday life and come close to destroying the city’s delicate ecosystem. Tightening restrictions and fees to limit the constant tourist flow is what many Italians are calling for.

Japan

Japan is known for its polite culture, however, many tourists ignore etiquette and cultural boundaries and often disrupt temples, and other establishments by talking loudly or taking photos in photo-restricted areas. Locals have expressed their frustration, but sadly, this problem persists as more people become enamored by Japan’s beautiful culture and history.

Spain

Barcelona and Madrid are lively, cultural hubs that draw millions of visitors a year, but locals in Barcelona have begun protesting against the heavy tourism. Rental prices are rising, many neighborhoods have been transformed into tourist hotspots and residents feel squeezed out of their own city. Even the city council has banned new hotels in the central areas to stem the flood.

France

Visitors flock to Paris the City of Light, but in some of its neighborhoods the glamour has long since begun to fade for its citizens. Residents have a love-hate relationship with the millions of annual visitors who crowd around the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and the Louvre. Problems are similar outside of Paris, in regions like Provence and the French Riviera.

Iceland

Iceland is not only beautiful, but it is also a strong tourist magnet made even stronger by social media influence. With more visitors to Iceland each year than the country’s total population, Icelanders have watched their quiet retreats become overrun by large tour groups and endless Instagram shoots. Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon are popular, and their impact on the local resources and infrastructure is hard to manage.

Thailand

The Thai islands, especially Phi Phi and Phuket, have been tourist magnets. However, mass tourism has come at a high price: Overcrowding, environmental damage, and cultural changes that locals aren’t always thrilled about. The Thai government had to close the popular Maya Bay for a while to allow the ecosystem to recover from tourism’s impact.

Netherlands

The famous canals, cafes, and lively nightlife of Amsterdam have been abused by the overload of tourists flocking to experience the romantic atmosphere. Amsterdam residents have become increasingly frustrated with visitors’ lack of respect for local customs. The city has recently passed measures to limit tourism, including discouraging activity in the Red Light District and capping Airbnb’s.

New Zealand

Millions of visitors come to New Zealand each year to see its mountains, beaches and Middle Earth landscapes, but residents are now beginning to feel the strain. The constant crowds in Queenstown and Milford Sound can also mean frustration — from traffic congestion on scenic routes to pressure on local services.

Mexico

Millions arrive annually to see the beauty and history of Mexico at Cancun and Tulum and locals are tired of the crowds. Rapid development and environmental strain have transformed the space in Tulum, from rising rent to poor beach access. Many Mexicans say their country’s natural resources are being exploited for tourism to the detriment of Mexicans.

Portugal

Portugal is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s major tourist destinations and Lisbon and Porto are definitely experiencing an explosion of tourism. With crowds , locals are paying more to live as more properties are converted into tourist rentals. Some Portuguese have been resentful of this and new steps are being taken to deal with these pressures.

Australia

Millions are attracted to Australia with its unique wildlife, great cities, and Great Barrier Reef. In places like Sydney and the Gold Coast, particularly during peak travel times, locals are wary of the arrival of hordes of tourists. The environmental impact on natural sites such as Uluru has caused many locals to lobby for more sustainable tourism practices there.

Croatia

The medieval walls of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, and its status as a Game of Thrones backdrop, have made it a poster child for over-tourism. Daily life is difficult for locals in the small, historic area, which is regularly flooded with visitors from cruise ships. Croatia has since put in place steps to limit the number of visitors to the old city walls.

United Kingdom

While London remains a top global city for travelers, many Londoners hate tourism — with many areas like Westminster or Soho being so full of tourists. Residents of smaller cities such as Bath and Edinburgh are also angry at how tourism has changed their communities, especially during peak festivals and holidays.

Greece

Famous for their views and nightlife, the stunning Greek islands, such as Santorini and Mykonos, have had enough of the overcrowding. Mykonos has turned from a quiet island to a crowded party hub and some locals are wary of tourists, but Santorini’s infrastructure struggles to cope with the seasonal influx.

United States

Cities in the U.S., such as San Francisco, New York and New Orleans also have a love-hate relationship with tourism. For example, San Francisco has to handle traffic and rising prices, in part because of tourism. Locals in smaller towns near natural landmarks, like Jackson Hole near Yellowstone, face the same issues when their towns become tourist destinations almost year round.

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

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