Bhutan: Preserving Culture Over Tourism
Bhutan has always marched to the beat of its own drum when it comes to tourism. The small Himalayan kingdom is famous for its policy of “High Value, Low Impact” tourism, which means visitors must pay a hefty daily fee — over $200 per person. In 2025, authorities increased restrictions, especially for sensitive cultural and environmental sites. The government reported just 250,000 tourists in 2024, a tiny number compared to neighboring countries. Officials argue that these limitations are not just about money, but about safeguarding Bhutan’s unique way of life and unspoiled landscapes. There’s a growing sense that mass tourism could erode Bhutanese traditions and overwhelm the fragile environment. The Tourism Council of Bhutan has stated that further raising the minimum spend and limiting permits for certain treks or festivals are on the table. These moves underline a clear priority: culture and nature come first, even if it means saying “no” to more tourists.
Venice, Italy: Combatting Overtourism
Venice has become a symbol of overtourism’s dark side, drawing headlines for its jam-packed canals and crumbling infrastructure. In 2025, city officials took a bold step by proposing a ban on day-trippers, who made up a huge portion of the 30 million visitors recorded in 2023. The city’s narrow streets and fragile buildings simply cannot handle the relentless crowds. Residents have staged protests, blaming tourism for rising rents and the loss of local businesses. Plans now include a mandatory reservation system and possibly hefty entry fees for non-overnight visitors. The mayor argued that the city’s survival depends on reducing tourist numbers to protect both heritage and quality of life. Venice’s situation is so dire that UNESCO threatened to add it to its list of World Heritage Sites in danger. It’s a clear message: without urgent action, Venice could be lost — not just to tourists, but to history itself.
Machu Picchu, Peru: Protecting Historical Sites
Machu Picchu, Peru’s crown jewel, is facing unprecedented stress from tourism. In 2024, the site welcomed over 1.5 million tourists, well above the recommended sustainable capacity. The Peruvian Ministry of Culture expressed alarm over the visible wear on ancient stones and pathways. To combat this, officials are considering strict daily visitor caps and even seasonal closures for restoration. There’s talk of increasing ticket prices and requiring advance bookings to manage the flow. Park rangers have reported more incidents of rule-breaking, including unauthorized climbing and littering. Conservationists worry that without tougher controls, Machu Picchu’s spectacular ruins could be damaged beyond repair. The stakes couldn’t be higher: this ancient Inca city is a treasure not just for Peru, but for the world.
Thailand: Environmental Concerns
Thailand’s dreamy beaches and lush parks have attracted a tidal wave of tourists — over 40 million in 2023 alone. But that popularity comes with a price, as environmental degradation becomes impossible to ignore. In 2025, the Thai government announced plans to restrict access to heavily visited national parks and islands. Famous spots like Maya Bay and parts of the Phi Phi Islands have already seen temporary closures due to coral damage and pollution. Authorities are now looking at long-term caps on visitor numbers and stricter controls on activities like snorkeling and diving. The Department of National Parks has emphasized the need to balance economic benefits with environmental survival. Local communities, once dependent on tourism, are being encouraged to develop alternative, sustainable livelihoods. The message is clear: without change, Thailand’s natural wonders could vanish.
Bali, Indonesia: Managing Tourist Impact
Bali’s reputation as a tropical paradise has turned into a double-edged sword. In 2024, the island hosted more than 16 million tourists, straining its water supply, roads, and waste management systems. Local authorities responded in 2025 with proposals to limit tourist numbers in sensitive areas like Ubud and Nusa Penida. There’s ongoing debate about introducing a tourist cap, higher taxes, and moratoriums on new hotel developments. Environmentalists report increasing pollution on beaches and overuse of natural resources. Traditional Balinese ceremonies and daily life are also being disrupted by the constant influx of outsiders. The Bali Tourism Board has stressed that maintaining the island’s unique culture and environment must come before profit. With new regulations on the horizon, the future of Bali’s open-door policy is very much in question.
Iceland: Protecting Natural Wonders
Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes have drawn over 2 million tourists in 2023, outnumbering the local population six to one. This rapid influx has battered fragile sites like the Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle. The Icelandic Tourist Board announced in 2025 that stricter measures are being considered, including visitor caps and higher entrance fees at popular attractions. Some natural sites may become off-limits to the general public during certain seasons to allow for recovery. Rangers have reported increased litter, erosion, and even vandalism of delicate moss and lava fields. Local communities are divided, with some enjoying the economic boom and others lamenting the loss of peace and environmental balance. Authorities warn that without intervention, the very beauty that attracts tourists could be destroyed.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: Conservation Efforts
The Galápagos Islands are a living laboratory of evolution, but their unique wildlife is under threat from rising tourist numbers. In 2024, more than 300,000 people visited, a dramatic jump that worried biologists and park officials. The Galápagos National Park is now pushing for stricter quotas, higher entry fees, and more rigorous enforcement of visitor rules. Boats and tour operators must adhere to strict schedules and approved routes, but illegal landings and overcrowding are becoming more common. The Ecuadorian government is considering new bans on certain islands and restricted zones where no tourists will be permitted. Local guides report that some animal species are changing their behavior due to constant human presence. The pressure is on to preserve the islands’ fragile ecosystems before it’s too late.
Santorini, Greece: Addressing Overtourism
Santorini’s stunning cliffs and whitewashed villages have turned it into one of the world’s most Instagrammed destinations. In 2023, over 2 million visitors descended on the small island, overwhelming its infrastructure. Local authorities in 2025 proposed drastic measures, including limiting the number of cruise ships and capping daily visitor numbers. The island’s iconic sunsets now draw crowds so dense that even locals struggle to get around. Residents complain of water shortages and soaring rents as traditional neighborhoods are converted into tourist accommodations. The Santorini local government is debating new zoning laws and stricter controls on short-term rentals. The hope is to prevent the island from becoming a victim of its own success.
Australia: Protecting Indigenous Lands
Australia’s unique landscapes and Indigenous heritage sites have always been a big draw for tourists, but in recent years, the balance has tipped. In 2024, the government started restricting access to certain sacred sites, working closely with Indigenous communities to set new rules. With 9 million international visitors in 2023, some areas like Uluru and Kakadu National Park are under intense pressure. The new regulations include closure of some trails, stricter permit systems, and bans on certain activities. Indigenous leaders have voiced strong concerns about cultural disrespect and environmental damage. The Australian Government’s Indigenous Affairs department has emphasized that protecting sacred sites takes precedence over tourism revenue. These changes mark a significant shift in how Australia manages its most important cultural assets.
Kenya: Wildlife Conservation
Kenya’s world-famous safaris are facing a crossroads. In 2023, the country welcomed more than 2 million tourists, putting pressure on national parks and endangered species. In 2025, the Kenya Wildlife Service proposed tighter limits on visitor numbers in critical conservation areas like the Maasai Mara and Amboseli. There are also discussions about raising entry fees and restricting vehicle access to sensitive zones. Park rangers report that uncontrolled tourism can disrupt animal migration patterns and increase the risk of poaching. Conservationists have called for more community-based tourism models that benefit locals and protect wildlife. The government is making it clear: Kenya’s future depends on putting wildlife conservation ahead of unchecked tourism.