Venice, Italy: Sinking Under Its Own Popularity
Venice has long been one of the world’s most romantic destinations, but the city is literally drowning in its own success. In April 2024, Venice became the first city to charge day-tripper tourists an entry fee, a move aimed at controlling the overwhelming crowds that have been blamed for damaging its fragile infrastructure. Local officials have voiced growing frustration, with the mayor stating, “We cannot become a theme park.” The city has already limited cruise ship arrivals, and there’s talk of stricter caps on overnight stays. Resident numbers have plummeted, with locals fleeing due to rising rents and noise. The city council is weighing even more drastic measures, including limiting hotel licenses and restricting access during peak months. If the current trajectory continues, it wouldn’t be surprising if Venice starts turning visitors away altogether.
Machu Picchu, Peru: Struggling to Protect the Past
Machu Picchu, Peru’s crown jewel, faces a delicate balancing act between preservation and tourism. In early 2025, authorities again slashed daily visitor quotas after UNESCO threatened to put the site on its endangered list. Tourists have been caught sneaking off paths and damaging ancient stonework—a single careless step can cause irreparable harm. The Peruvian government introduced a timed ticketing system and is now considering mandatory guided tours for all visitors. “If the pressure continues, we may have to close Machu Picchu to save it for future generations,” warned a government spokesperson. Locals who depend on tourism are caught in the middle, but the country’s cultural heritage is increasingly coming first. This may soon mean that the doors to this bucket-list wonder will close to all but a lucky few.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Cracking Down on Party Tourism
Amsterdam’s famous canals and vibrant nightlife have become a double-edged sword. The city’s mayor has called for “a new balance” as local residents grow weary of late-night noise and disruptive stag parties. In 2024, Amsterdam banned new hotels in the city center and started phasing out short-term rentals like Airbnb. There’s now a campaign warning “nuisance tourists” to stay away, and stricter rules are on the table—including limiting group sizes and raising tourist taxes again. Graffiti reading “Tourists Go Home” has become a common sight. If the current push continues, Amsterdam might soon reserve its charms for respectful visitors only, or even restrict entry altogether during peak weekends and holidays.
Bali, Indonesia: Sacred Sites Off-Limits
Bali’s lush landscapes and beach clubs have always drawn crowds, but the island’s patience is wearing thin. In 2024, the Balinese governor openly threatened to ban “disrespectful” tourists after a string of incidents at sacred temples and natural sites. The government has already closed some waterfalls and mountains to visitors, citing environmental degradation and lack of respect. New rules require tourists to sign a “good behavior pledge” upon arrival, and fines for breaking local customs have soared. There’s even talk of refusing visas for repeat offenders. “Tourism must not destroy our culture,” a local priest told reporters—a sentiment echoed across the island. If the trend continues, Bali could soon say “no more” to those who don’t treat the island with respect.
Santorini, Greece: Too Much of a Good Thing
Santorini’s blue-domed churches and stunning sunsets have made it a magnet for Instagrammers and cruise ships alike. But the island is bursting at the seams: in 2024, local authorities reinstated a daily cap of 8,000 cruise passengers—down from pre-pandemic peaks of 18,000. Residents complain of clogged streets and water shortages, and the mayor has warned that “Santorini cannot take any more.” Popular spots like Oia are now off-limits to tour buses during certain hours. Officials are considering even stricter quotas, especially during the summer months. One local business owner said, “We are suffocating.” If things don’t change, Santorini may soon become far less accessible to tourists hoping to see its famous views.
Bhutan: Raising the Bar for Entry
Bhutan has always taken a unique approach to tourism, famously requiring all visitors to pay a hefty daily fee known as the “Sustainable Development Fee.” In 2024, this fee was doubled, making Bhutan one of the world’s most exclusive destinations. The goal is to keep numbers low and ensure tourism benefits local communities. Officials have hinted that more price hikes could be on the way, or that the country could halt all tourist visas for months at a time if numbers creep up. “Our happiness is more important than mass tourism,” said the tourism minister in a recent interview. With mounting pressure to preserve its pristine landscapes and unique culture, Bhutan could soon be off-limits to all but the most determined—and wealthy—travelers.
Barcelona, Spain: Fighting for Space
Barcelona’s colorful streets and beaches have always been a magnet for visitors, but the city is fighting back against “overtourism.” In 2024, city officials announced a freeze on new hotel licenses, and short-term rentals are under heavy scrutiny. Local protests have erupted, with banners reading “Tourists go home” in popular neighborhoods like Barceloneta. The mayor has even floated the idea of capping visitor numbers during festivals and weekends, a move that received broad support from residents. Tourist taxes are set to rise again, and new regulations may soon restrict access to some of the city’s most famous landmarks. For the first time, it seems possible that Barcelona could begin actively rejecting visitors in the name of quality of life.
Kyoto, Japan: Sacred Shrines, Shuttered Streets
Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, is world-famous for its temples, cherry blossoms, and geisha culture. But the city’s narrow streets are struggling to cope with the tourism boom. In 2024, Kyoto banned photography in some geisha districts after complaints of harassment and crowding. Popular temples have started requiring advance reservations, and the city council is debating seasonal closures for certain sites. Local residents have launched campaigns urging tourists to respect rules and avoid “tourism pollution.” A city official recently warned, “If things don’t improve, we may have to limit the number of visitors entirely.” Kyoto’s treasured calm and heritage are on the line, making it a prime candidate for stricter entry controls.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: Protecting a Living Laboratory
The Galápagos Islands are legendary for their wildlife and pristine landscapes, but conservationists warn they’re at a tipping point. In 2024, the Ecuadorian government halved the number of cruise ships allowed to dock, citing concerns over invasive species and pollution. New rules require tourists to travel with certified guides at all times, and park fees have reached record highs. “The Galápagos is not a theme park,” said a local conservation leader, echoing widespread concerns. Strict quotas are now in place, and visitors who break rules can be permanently banned. The islands’ unique ecosystem is the top priority, and officials have made it clear that if tourism threatens that, they will not hesitate to close the doors.
Boracay, Philippines: No Tourists, No Problem?
Boracay’s powder-white beaches were once described as “paradise on earth” until pollution and overcrowding forced a six-month closure in 2018. Since reopening, the government has imposed a strict visitor cap and banned smoking, drinking, and single-use plastics on the beach. In 2024, authorities announced plans to further reduce tourist numbers, with the environment secretary warning, “We will close Boracay again if necessary.” Locals have mixed feelings, with some welcoming the peace and others fearing for their livelihoods. Environmental patrols are now a daily sight, and the island’s fragile ecosystem is under constant watch. If the new rules don’t work, Boracay may once again become an island closed off to the world.