Overtourism is undeniably taking a toll on some of the world's most spectacular and historically important locations. These places, once havens of tranquility and cultural richness, now often struggle with overcrowded streets, environmental issues, and a gradual fading of their unique character. We will take a look at how overtourism is affecting 25 iconic destinations – ranging from litter problems to instances where sacred sites become nothing more than backdrops for endless selfies – exploring how they have become, in a sense, victims of their own popularity.
Acropolis of Athens, Greece
The Acropolis, the iconic symbol of ancient Greece, has steps and structures worn down by years of foot traffic. Restoration efforts, which are often slowed by financial difficulties, are, however, complete, and as of September 2023, the daily visitor count is capped at 20,000 to better manage the flow.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, a revered Cambodian site, hosted a surge of visitors in 2023—nearly 800,000 compared to 7,650 back in 1993. This influx is causing erosion of the sandstone engravings, and, well, the selfie-snapping crowds are definitely disrupting the spiritual vibe, almost turning this "lost city" into a bit of a tourist trap.
Antarctica
Antarctica saw over 100,000 tourists between October 2023 and March 2024, a pretty impressive 40% jump from earlier numbers. Big cruise ships and CO2 emissions pose a threat to this pristine "last frontier" leading to calls for stricter controls on tourism.
Backwaters of Kerala, India
Kerala’s backwaters, once so serene, are now congested with fuel-polluting houseboats, a disruption to the coastal ecosystem. Garbage dumping by boat crews adds to the problem, degrading this once-idyllic network of lakes and canals.
Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia
Dubrovnik’s Old Town, famous as a Game of Thrones filming location, is facing overtourism caused by cruise ships and the availability of cheap flights. Having more than four million overnight stays in 2023 for a population of just 42,615 is causing displacement of locals, and UNESCO has warned of heritage risks. Cruise limits are now in effect.
Easter Island, Chile
Rapa Nui’s moai statues are a magnet that draw millions to this far-flung island, but vandalism and waste from more flights and cruises are endangering its cultural and environmental integrity. The locals worry about how to protect their heritage as tourism grows so quickly.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Once a secluded paradise, the Galapagos Islands welcomed around 270,000 tourists in 2023, a massive jump from the mere 1,000 per year back in the 1960s. This rapid growth, along with increasing populations in towns such as Puerto Ayora, is putting considerable strain on the fragile ecosystem. There are fairly strict rules concerning boat sizes and overall numbers designed to safeguard the islands’ unique wildlife. But still, tourists frequently find themselves competing for the best photo opportunities.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, welcomes around two million tourists each year across its vast 2,301 km stretch. All those visitors – and we are talking about the influx of some 1,500 vessels and 820 tour operators – presents a threat to the world’s largest coral ecosystem. Careless actions by tourists, combined with constant boat activity, disturbs marine life, often making it difficult to fully appreciate the underwater beauty without struggling for a bit of space.
Great Wall of China, China
The Great Wall, stretching for thousands of miles, is facing a sort of modern "invasion" from over ten million visitors each year. Parts of it, like Badaling, which caps daily visitors at 65,000, are dealing with issues such as brick theft and graffiti. The constant pounding of feet is causing erosion on this ancient fortification, originally intended to keep enemies out, not cater to tourists.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay’s karst landscapes and caves can be clogged with boats and littered with rubbish, which is rather disappointing for those seeking a bit of peace. The commercial side of this UNESCO site can overshadow its natural beauty, despite its enduring appeal.
Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi, made famous by *The Beach*, sees around 4,000 visitors and 200 boats every day, leading to piles of garbage and ecosystem damage. Periodic closures that started in 2022 are meant to help restore the beach, but its paradise image is undeniably fading.
Lascaux, France
The prehistoric Lascaux caves, renowned for their collection of some 600 cave paintings, were ultimately closed to the public after it was discovered that the breath of visitors was causing the growth of algae and crystals, which, in turn, damaged the artwork. Now, since 2016, visitors can experience Lascaux IV, a meticulously crafted replica, but the original remains sealed off as a protective measure for its delicate heritage.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, Peru’s famed "lost city," rediscovered in 1911, was once home to about a thousand inhabitants. Now, it sometimes sees as many as five thousand visitors per day during the busiest times. The delicate Inca citadel's walkways and staircases are gradually wearing down due to the sheer volume of foot traffic. While Peru has implemented a cap of 2,500 daily visitors and imposed limits on group sizes, the site still experiences pressures far exceeding its original design.
Mount Everest, Nepal
Mount Everest, the planet’s highest point, has shifted from being a profoundly spiritual challenge to more of a commercial undertaking. In 2023, over a thousand climbers attempted to reach the top, with more than 650 succeeding, alongside thousands of trekkers at its base. This surge in activity has resulted in significant waste accumulation, including human waste, and even the bodies of climbers who didn’t survive the ascent. The repetitive use of trekking poles also leads to terrain erosion, and the Himalayan villages in the area, now heavily reliant on tourism, have, generally speaking, seen a decline in their traditional ways of life.
Petra, Jordan
Petra, the "rose-red city" that remained hidden for over a millennium, is without question Jordan's most prized tourist destination, and a victim of overtourism. The site's integrity is threatened by tourists who climb on donkeys or casually lean against the delicate sandstone structures. Waste buildup and the occasional bouts of regional instability make preserving this ancient wonder an ongoing challenge, potentially diminishing its allure.
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza, including Khufu's ancient wonder, are somewhat marred by pushy vendors and sprawling urban development, what with fast-food signs and apartments sort of encroaching on the desert view. There's a visitor center that can help, but the grandeur of the site is often overshadowed by a bit of commercial chaos.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini’s white villages are being flooded with cruise passengers, clogging up the streets and pushing up prices. Luxury rentals are displacing the locals, and water and waste problems are putting a strain on the island. There are cruise regulations in place, but finding peace on the island is increasingly difficult.
Sistine Chapel, Vatican
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel is pretty much swamped by millions each year; long lines and packed interiors unfortunately detract from the experience. Visitors' breath and mere presence are threatening the 500-year-old frescoes, sadly turning this masterpiece into a rather claustrophobic experience.
Stonehenge, UK
Stonehenge's ancient megaliths, which at one time were freely accessible, are now enclosed by fences due to tourism-related damage. The tranquility of the site is often compromised by the large coach groups and the noise from nearby roads, particularly during the often chaotic gatherings for the summer solstice. A relatively new visitor center – costing roughly €35.5 million – was opened in 2013, aiming to enhance the visitor experience, but, it’s fair to say, the site's inherent magic can sometimes be hard to feel.
Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal, a Mughal masterpiece, is usually thronged by crowds, guides, and vendors, making it tough to truly appreciate its serene beauty. Due to overtourism, there's now a three-hour visit limit, designed to reduce the strain, but often the mausoleum’s romantic allure gets lost in the tourist frenzy.
Teotihuacan, Mexico
The ancient city of Teotihuacan, with its impressive Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, attracts millions of visitors annually from nearby Mexico City. The site’s atmosphere can be disrupted by overcrowding, particularly during the equinoxes, and the presence of persistent vendors. Nowadays, climbing the pyramids is prohibited to prevent further damage to these invaluable ancient structures.
Trevi Fountain, Italy
Rome’s Trevi Fountain is a rather chaotic tourist hub, packed with selfie sticks and, well, people. The Piazza Navona, once defined by its Baroque artistry, now finds itself somewhat overwhelmed by merchants and their wares. While security measures and crowd control are in place, the simple, almost ritualistic charm of throwing a coin into the fountain is frequently diminished amidst the surrounding commercial activity.
Uluru, Australia
Uluru’s sacred red rock attracts noisy crowds at sunrise and sunset, a definite disruption to its spiritual significance. Climbing was stopped in 2019 to respect the Anangu traditions, but even so, the site still deals with the environmental impact of tourism.
Valley of the Kings, Egypt
King Tutankhamun's tomb, located in the Valley of the Kings, has definitely suffered its share of wear and tear from the countless visitors it has received ever since its discovery in 1922. As a means of preservation, a replica was opened back in 2014, while the original now incorporates barriers and improved ventilation.
Venice, Italy
Venice’s canals and historic charm are struggling under the weight of millions of visitors, especially the cruise ship day-trippers. Souvenir shops and fast food are replacing local crafts, and rising sea levels and all that tourist weight are eroding the city’s foundations. Taxes and caps on visitors are being considered to preserve its essence.