20 Once-Crowded Spots Now Limiting Visitors – Here’s Why
Overtourism has become a growing concern for many of the world’s most iconic destinations. As more travelers flock to these popular spots, the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage, natural beauty, and supporting local communities is increasingly threatened. In response, many cities and landmarks are taking action by limiting visitor numbers, enforcing strict regulations, and introducing measures such as entrance fees and visitor quotas. While these changes may seem restrictive, they are essential for ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy these remarkable places without compromising their integrity. Here are 20 once-crowded destinations now limiting access—and why they’re doing it.
1. Venice, Italy
Overcrowding in Venice has reached a critical point, leading the city to introduce measures to limit tourism. The fragile infrastructure and environmental concerns, especially with rising sea levels, have made it essential to restrict the number of visitors. The ban on large cruise ships entering the lagoon is just one of the efforts aimed at preserving the delicate ecosystem. Furthermore, Venice plans to introduce entrance fees to help manage the number of tourists. These actions reflect the city’s commitment to balancing cultural heritage preservation and tourism.
2. Machu Picchu, Peru
To protect the integrity of Machu Picchu, Peru has implemented strict limits on the number of visitors allowed each day. The ancient Incan site, already facing the effects of erosion and heavy foot traffic, is now only accessible through timed entry tickets. This system ensures that the sacred site receives the care it needs while still allowing people to experience its beauty. The Peruvian government aims to protect both the archaeological site and the surrounding natural environment from the pressures of mass tourism.
3. Santorini, Greece
Santorini’s stunning landscapes and iconic white buildings have made it one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. However, overtourism has put immense pressure on the island’s infrastructure and local community.
To combat overcrowding, Santorini has started limiting cruise ship arrivals and promoting off-season tourism. These measures are designed to reduce congestion, protect the island’s natural beauty, and ensure that both locals and visitors can enjoy the experience without compromising its charm.
4. The Great Wall of China, China
The Great Wall of China, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, is showing signs of wear and tear due to its popularity. Sections of the wall are being closed off to tourists to prevent further damage from high foot traffic and erosion.
The Chinese government has introduced regulations to manage visitor flow and protect this ancient structure from further environmental degradation. These measures help preserve the Wall’s historical significance while ensuring that future generations can experience its grandeur.
5. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands, home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife, face a constant balancing act between tourism and conservation. Strict visitor quotas and regulations are now in place to protect the fragile ecosystems. The islands’ remoteness and delicate balance mean that too many visitors could disrupt the wildlife and ecosystems. In recent years, the Ecuadorian government has implemented measures to ensure that tourism remains sustainable, allowing future generations to enjoy the biodiversity that makes the islands so special.
6. Maya Bay, Thailand
Maya Bay, made famous by the movie The Beach, was once overwhelmed by tourists, leading to environmental damage and coral destruction. In response, the Thai government closed the bay in 2018, allowing the ecosystem to recover. While the beach has since reopened, only a limited number of visitors are allowed each day to ensure that the natural beauty and marine life are protected. This shift represents an effort to preserve the site while maintaining a sustainable approach to tourism.
7. The Maldives
Rising sea levels and the environmental toll of mass tourism have prompted the Maldives to rethink its tourism strategy. The country is now focusing on sustainable tourism, limiting large-scale resort developments and encouraging eco-friendly practices.
By promoting smaller, exclusive resorts and low-impact activities, the Maldives aims to preserve its delicate coral reefs and islands. These steps are vital in combating the adverse effects of tourism while maintaining the Maldives as a paradise for future generations.
8. Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has become a victim of its own popularity. The charming coastal villages are now facing overcrowding, which has put pressure on the environment and local infrastructure. In response, the Italian government is implementing visitor quotas and introducing entrance fees. These measures aim to control the flow of tourists and reduce the negative impact on the region’s fragile landscapes. By limiting access, Cinque Terre hopes to preserve its natural beauty for both locals and future visitors.
9. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora’s allure has led to rapid development, with an increasing number of tourists seeking its pristine beaches and turquoise waters. However, the island’s growing popularity has raised concerns about environmental degradation. To preserve its beauty, Bora Bora is taking steps to limit large-scale tourism, encouraging eco-friendly resorts and exclusive visitor experiences. These measures help protect the island’s coral reefs and ecosystems, ensuring that Bora Bora remains a tropical paradise for years to come.
10. Antarctica
As one of the last unspoiled places on Earth, Antarctica’s pristine environment is at risk from the growing number of tourists. To safeguard its unique ecosystems, the Antarctic Treaty System has enforced strict regulations, including limits on the number of visitors each year.
Tourists must adhere to rigorous environmental guidelines, ensuring minimal impact on the wildlife and the landscape. These actions aim to preserve the continent’s unaltered beauty while still allowing visitors to experience its remarkable landscapes.
11. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
As one of the most remarkable landscapes on the planet, Salar de Uyuni attracts visitors from around the world. However, the rising influx of tourists has raised concerns about the environmental impact on the salt flats.
To mitigate this, the government has introduced limits on the number of visitors and enforced stricter regulations for tour operators. These measures aim to preserve the unique ecosystem and prevent further damage, ensuring that the salt flats remain a breathtaking natural wonder.
12. Pripyat, Ukraine
The abandoned city of Pripyat, once home to workers from the Chernobyl nuclear plant, has become a haunting draw for tourists. However, the risks of radiation exposure and the need for preservation have prompted strict regulations. Only a limited number of visitors are permitted entry, with carefully managed tours ensuring safety and minimizing disturbance to the site. These limitations allow visitors to experience this eerie piece of history while also protecting the integrity of the area for future generations.
13. Alaska, United States
Known for its vast wilderness and diverse wildlife, Alaska has long been a popular destination for nature lovers. However, to protect its fragile ecosystems, the state has introduced new regulations to limit tourist numbers in its most sensitive national parks and wildlife refuges. These restrictions aim to preserve Alaska’s pristine landscapes and wildlife, ensuring that tourism remains sustainable and that the natural beauty of the state is protected for future generations.
14. Barcelona, Spain
The city’s growing popularity as a tourist destination has put a strain on its infrastructure, especially in high-traffic areas like La Rambla and the Barri Gòtic. In response, Barcelona has implemented measures to control visitor flow, such as limiting short-term rentals and imposing tourist taxes. These efforts aim to manage the impact of overtourism, preserving the city’s cultural heritage and quality of life for its residents, while still welcoming tourists to experience its charm.
15. Mount Everest, Nepal
The allure of climbing Mount Everest has led to a surge in visitors, resulting in overcrowding and environmental concerns. In response, the Nepalese government has imposed stricter regulations on the number of climbing permits issued annually, with additional safety measures to protect both climbers and the mountain. These measures are designed to reduce the environmental impact of mass tourism while still allowing serious climbers the chance to experience this iconic peak.
16. Komodo Island, Indonesia
The world-famous Komodo dragons, coupled with the island’s fragile ecosystem, have led to increasing restrictions on access. The Indonesian government has introduced measures to control the number of visitors and ensure the conservation of both the endangered species and the island’s natural habitats. With strict guidelines on tour operators and designated entry points, Komodo Island is working to balance the needs of tourism with environmental protection, allowing future generations to enjoy the beauty of this unique destination.
17. Iguaçu Falls, Brazil/Argentina
The sheer scale and beauty of Iguaçu Falls make it one of the most visited natural wonders in the world, but the increasing number of tourists has placed stress on the surrounding rainforest. To preserve this unique ecosystem, both Brazil and Argentina have introduced regulations that limit access to certain areas of the falls. These measures are aimed at protecting the environment while maintaining the natural awe of the falls for future visitors.
18. Ibiza, Spain
Once primarily known for its wild party scene, Ibiza is now grappling with the negative impacts of mass tourism, which have affected both the environment and the local community. In recent years, the island has become overwhelmed with visitors, leading to overcrowded beaches, noise pollution, and damage to its delicate natural reserves.
To protect the island’s beauty and way of life, authorities have begun to regulate access to its most popular spots. These measures include limiting the number of tourists allowed in certain areas, especially beaches and protected regions, which helps preserve Ibiza’s charm while offering a more sustainable experience for future travelers.
19. Rome, Italy
Rome, with its ancient ruins and iconic landmarks, has long been one of the most visited cities in the world. However, the increasing number of tourists is putting a significant strain on the city’s historic sites and infrastructure. To combat the effects of overcrowding and protect the integrity of its priceless monuments, the city is considering introducing entrance fees for some of its most popular attractions, such as the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. These measures are designed to regulate visitor numbers, ensuring that Rome can continue to be a thriving cultural hub while maintaining its historical and architectural splendor.
20. Hallstatt, Austria
The enchanting village of Hallstatt, nestled in the Austrian Alps, has become a victim of its own immense popularity. Known for its picturesque landscapes and medieval architecture, Hallstatt now faces the consequences of overtourism, with large numbers of tourists flocking to its narrow streets and lakeside views.
This influx has strained the village’s infrastructure and jeopardized the tranquility that made it a sought-after destination in the first place. To combat this, local authorities have introduced visitor quotas and restricted the number of tour buses allowed, ensuring that Hallstatt can continue to be a serene retreat while protecting its cultural and environmental heritage.
