





























See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
Methodology
- Fodor's compiles the list after consulting with various stakeholders, including tourism boards, NGOs, environmental specialists, and locals. According to the guide, rather than advocating for travel boycotts, the goal is to raise awareness of pressing issues and encourage sustainable tourism practices that protect these beloved destinations for future generations.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Bali, Indonesia
- The Bali Partnership, a coalition formed to study and solve waste issues, estimates that Bali generates 1.6 million tons (1.45 million tonnes) of waste annually, including nearly 303,000 tons (274,721 tonnes) of plastic. Only 7% of plastic waste is recycled, leaving 33,000 tons (30,000 tonnes) of plastic polluting Bali's environment each year.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Bali, Indonesia
- Overtourism is fueling rapid, unchecked development in Bali, threatening its natural beauty and cultural heritage. A "plastic apocalypse" looms as the tourism industry, while boosting the economy, harms the very environment that sustains it.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Koh Samui, Thailand
- Koh Samui, already grappling with overtourism, faces a potential crisis with a new season of 'The White Lotus' premiering in 2025. If the show, set on the island, boosts tourism as it did for Sicily, the island's fragile infrastructure and environment could be overwhelmed.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Koh Samui, Thailand
- Government concerns include waste management, illegal construction, and the risk of landslides due to unchecked development and deforestation. The daily removal of 60 tons (54 tonnes) of waste is insufficient to address the 200,000-ton (181,437-tonne) backlog and ongoing waste generation from residents and tourists.
© Getty Images
5 / 30 Fotos
Agrigento, Sicily, Italy
- Listed as one of the destinations beginning to suffer, the city on the southwest coast of Sicily is set to become the Italian Capital of Culture in 2025 while it faces a severe water crisis. Increased tourism, fueled by the cultural title, could exacerbate this issue, potentially harming its cultural treasures and burdening residents.
© Getty Images
6 / 30 Fotos
Agrigento, Sicily, Italy
- The drought, intensified by global warming effects, threatens Agrigento's historical sites, including the Valley of the Temples. Water shortages have forced businesses to close and limited water supply in accommodations. Some hotels even restricted bookings in August due to water scarcity.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Mount Everest, Nepal
- Gone are the days when skill was the barrier to climbing Everest. Today, money is the key. Inexperienced tourists can hire local guides to carry their gear, increasing the risk for these workers and contributing to overcrowding. In the past 25 years, visitor numbers have doubled to around 58,000 annually.
© Getty Images
8 / 30 Fotos
Mount Everest, Nepal
- To accommodate rising visitor numbers, simple huts have been transformed into hotels, increasing waste. Daily waste now reaches 1,742 pounds (790 kilograms) during peak season. With a record number of permits issued in 2023 and no cap on visitors, the trend of increasing tourism continues.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
British Virgin Islands
- The British Virgin Islands' economy relies heavily on tourism, but a growing dominance of cruise tourism, accounting for 72% of arrivals, is raising concerns. Cruise passengers spend less locally than resort guests, traditionally the main drivers of tourism revenue. This shift could negatively impact the environment and local communities.
© Getty Images
10 / 30 Fotos
British Virgin Islands
- The area’s coral reefs, already threatened by climate change, are facing additional stress. Lax regulations on anchoring, development, and even on the type of sunscreen applied by tourists contribute to coral die-off.
© Getty Images
11 / 30 Fotos
Kerala, India
- The surge in tourism, combined with unregulated development, has exacerbated natural disasters in Kerala. This was tragically illustrated by the deadly July landslides that claimed over 400 lives. Despite repeated warnings, the government's relentless focus on tourism promotion, coupled with a lack of oversight, has contributed to this crisis.
© Getty Images
12 / 30 Fotos
Kerala, India
- Vembanad Lake, a vital part of Kerala's backwater tourism and an internationally important wetland, is shrinking due to floods, illegal construction, and overtourism. The proliferation of houseboats and resorts, which discharge wastewater directly into the lake, has led to environmental degradation and harm to aquatic life.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Oaxaca, Mexico
- Oaxacans are concerned about the commercialization of their culture, particularly the Guelaguetza festival. Locals say this once authentic celebration has become a highly staged, ticketed event, alienating them and prioritizing tourist experiences.
© Getty Images
14 / 30 Fotos
Oaxaca, Mexico
- Gentrification and community displacement are significant consequences of overtourism in Oaxaca. While tourism provides economic opportunities for some, particularly in isolated communities, it also leads to locals being forced out of well-served areas into underdeveloped regions.
© Getty Images
15 / 30 Fotos
Scotland's North Coast 500 (NC500)
- The NC500, a scenic coastal route through the Scottish Highlands, has seen a surge in popularity since its launch in 2015. While this has boosted the local economy, it has also brought challenges. Overtourism is driving up living costs, pricing out locals, and altering the region's cultural landscape.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Scotland's North Coast 500 (NC500)
- Camping is a popular way to experience the NC500. However, a lack of adequate facilities is leading to environmental issues. Residents report finding litter, damage, and human waste in areas where tourists have camped.
© Getty Images
17 / 30 Fotos
Kyoto, Japan
- The term "Kankō kōgai," or "tourism pollution," reflects growing concerns about overtourism in Japan. Despite efforts like congestion cameras, separate bus stops, and warnings against harassment of locals, popular destinations like Kyoto continue to struggle with overcrowding and cultural disrespect.
© Getty Images
18 / 30 Fotos
Kyoto, Japan
- The Gion district, renowned for its geisha culture, has been significantly impacted by tourism. Years of harassment, including tourists chasing and photographing these artists without consent, led to a 2019 ban on photography in the district.
© Getty Images
19 / 30 Fotos
Tokyo, Japan
- Tokyo and other Japanese cities are facing severe labor shortages across various sectors, including nursing care, food service, and construction. This shortage is particularly problematic for the food service industry, as the country's growing popularity as a tourist destination increases demand for hospitality workers.
© Getty Images
20 / 30 Fotos
Honshu, Japan
- As the country experienced record-breaking tourism in July 2024, with over 3.2 million international visitors, hotel prices spiked and sites became increasingly overcrowded. To manage the influx, authorities implemented measures such as visitor caps and increased fees at popular sites like Mount Fuji.
© Getty Images
21 / 30 Fotos
European backlash
- Fodor's guide also highlights some of Europe's most popular destinations where residents are increasingly frustrated with the influx of tourists. With visitor numbers surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 7.2%, locals are expressing their discontent with protests and community initiatives aimed at reclaiming their cities.
© Getty Images
22 / 30 Fotos
Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona, with over 10,000 licensed vacation rentals, faces rising housing costs. The average home now rents for 68% more than a decade ago. To address this issue, the local government plans to revoke all licenses by 2028 and crack down on illegal rentals.
© Getty Images
23 / 30 Fotos
Barcelona, Spain
- On top of the housing crisis, residents are frustrated with the increase in noise pollution, littering, and public disturbances. To express their discontent, locals have taken to the streets, protesting against mass tourism and its detrimental effects on their community.
© Getty Images
24 / 30 Fotos
Mallorca, Spain
- Mallorca's pristine beaches and affordable prices have attracted a surge in "cheap tourism," a term used by locals to describe budget travelers who often prioritize low-cost experiences over responsible tourism. Local residents are struggling with rising housing costs, as short-term rentals drive up prices and displace long-term residents.
© Getty Images
25 / 30 Fotos
Canary Islands, Spain
- The Canary Islands, with a population of 2.2 million, welcomed nearly 10 million tourists in the first nine months of 2024. This surge has led to growing discontent among residents, who have joined nationwide protests against the negative impacts of mass tourism.
© Getty Images
26 / 30 Fotos
Lisbon, Portugal
- With 60% of dwellings converted into vacation rentals, Lisbon locals are also struggling with rising housing costs and a declining quality of life. The city's recent ranking as the third least financially viable place to live globally highlights the severity of this issue.
© Getty Images
27 / 30 Fotos
Lisbon, Portugal
- While locals struggle with the housing crisis and high living costs, the government faces criticism for policies favoring foreign investment. This has led to protests and a growing trend of emigration, with the population declining by 30% since 2013.
© Getty Images
28 / 30 Fotos
Venice, Italy
- Venice has implemented some strategies to combat overtourism, including a ban on large cruise ships and a new day-tripper fee. These initiatives aim to protect the city's fragile ecosystem and cultural heritage. However, some locals remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures, as evidenced by recent protests against the day-tripper fee. Sources: (Fodor's Travel) (CNN) (EuroNews) See also: Visitor attractions closed, abandoned, or overrun by tourists
© Getty Images
29 / 30 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
Methodology
- Fodor's compiles the list after consulting with various stakeholders, including tourism boards, NGOs, environmental specialists, and locals. According to the guide, rather than advocating for travel boycotts, the goal is to raise awareness of pressing issues and encourage sustainable tourism practices that protect these beloved destinations for future generations.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Bali, Indonesia
- The Bali Partnership, a coalition formed to study and solve waste issues, estimates that Bali generates 1.6 million tons (1.45 million tonnes) of waste annually, including nearly 303,000 tons (274,721 tonnes) of plastic. Only 7% of plastic waste is recycled, leaving 33,000 tons (30,000 tonnes) of plastic polluting Bali's environment each year.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Bali, Indonesia
- Overtourism is fueling rapid, unchecked development in Bali, threatening its natural beauty and cultural heritage. A "plastic apocalypse" looms as the tourism industry, while boosting the economy, harms the very environment that sustains it.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Koh Samui, Thailand
- Koh Samui, already grappling with overtourism, faces a potential crisis with a new season of 'The White Lotus' premiering in 2025. If the show, set on the island, boosts tourism as it did for Sicily, the island's fragile infrastructure and environment could be overwhelmed.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Koh Samui, Thailand
- Government concerns include waste management, illegal construction, and the risk of landslides due to unchecked development and deforestation. The daily removal of 60 tons (54 tonnes) of waste is insufficient to address the 200,000-ton (181,437-tonne) backlog and ongoing waste generation from residents and tourists.
© Getty Images
5 / 30 Fotos
Agrigento, Sicily, Italy
- Listed as one of the destinations beginning to suffer, the city on the southwest coast of Sicily is set to become the Italian Capital of Culture in 2025 while it faces a severe water crisis. Increased tourism, fueled by the cultural title, could exacerbate this issue, potentially harming its cultural treasures and burdening residents.
© Getty Images
6 / 30 Fotos
Agrigento, Sicily, Italy
- The drought, intensified by global warming effects, threatens Agrigento's historical sites, including the Valley of the Temples. Water shortages have forced businesses to close and limited water supply in accommodations. Some hotels even restricted bookings in August due to water scarcity.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Mount Everest, Nepal
- Gone are the days when skill was the barrier to climbing Everest. Today, money is the key. Inexperienced tourists can hire local guides to carry their gear, increasing the risk for these workers and contributing to overcrowding. In the past 25 years, visitor numbers have doubled to around 58,000 annually.
© Getty Images
8 / 30 Fotos
Mount Everest, Nepal
- To accommodate rising visitor numbers, simple huts have been transformed into hotels, increasing waste. Daily waste now reaches 1,742 pounds (790 kilograms) during peak season. With a record number of permits issued in 2023 and no cap on visitors, the trend of increasing tourism continues.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
British Virgin Islands
- The British Virgin Islands' economy relies heavily on tourism, but a growing dominance of cruise tourism, accounting for 72% of arrivals, is raising concerns. Cruise passengers spend less locally than resort guests, traditionally the main drivers of tourism revenue. This shift could negatively impact the environment and local communities.
© Getty Images
10 / 30 Fotos
British Virgin Islands
- The area’s coral reefs, already threatened by climate change, are facing additional stress. Lax regulations on anchoring, development, and even on the type of sunscreen applied by tourists contribute to coral die-off.
© Getty Images
11 / 30 Fotos
Kerala, India
- The surge in tourism, combined with unregulated development, has exacerbated natural disasters in Kerala. This was tragically illustrated by the deadly July landslides that claimed over 400 lives. Despite repeated warnings, the government's relentless focus on tourism promotion, coupled with a lack of oversight, has contributed to this crisis.
© Getty Images
12 / 30 Fotos
Kerala, India
- Vembanad Lake, a vital part of Kerala's backwater tourism and an internationally important wetland, is shrinking due to floods, illegal construction, and overtourism. The proliferation of houseboats and resorts, which discharge wastewater directly into the lake, has led to environmental degradation and harm to aquatic life.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Oaxaca, Mexico
- Oaxacans are concerned about the commercialization of their culture, particularly the Guelaguetza festival. Locals say this once authentic celebration has become a highly staged, ticketed event, alienating them and prioritizing tourist experiences.
© Getty Images
14 / 30 Fotos
Oaxaca, Mexico
- Gentrification and community displacement are significant consequences of overtourism in Oaxaca. While tourism provides economic opportunities for some, particularly in isolated communities, it also leads to locals being forced out of well-served areas into underdeveloped regions.
© Getty Images
15 / 30 Fotos
Scotland's North Coast 500 (NC500)
- The NC500, a scenic coastal route through the Scottish Highlands, has seen a surge in popularity since its launch in 2015. While this has boosted the local economy, it has also brought challenges. Overtourism is driving up living costs, pricing out locals, and altering the region's cultural landscape.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Scotland's North Coast 500 (NC500)
- Camping is a popular way to experience the NC500. However, a lack of adequate facilities is leading to environmental issues. Residents report finding litter, damage, and human waste in areas where tourists have camped.
© Getty Images
17 / 30 Fotos
Kyoto, Japan
- The term "Kankō kōgai," or "tourism pollution," reflects growing concerns about overtourism in Japan. Despite efforts like congestion cameras, separate bus stops, and warnings against harassment of locals, popular destinations like Kyoto continue to struggle with overcrowding and cultural disrespect.
© Getty Images
18 / 30 Fotos
Kyoto, Japan
- The Gion district, renowned for its geisha culture, has been significantly impacted by tourism. Years of harassment, including tourists chasing and photographing these artists without consent, led to a 2019 ban on photography in the district.
© Getty Images
19 / 30 Fotos
Tokyo, Japan
- Tokyo and other Japanese cities are facing severe labor shortages across various sectors, including nursing care, food service, and construction. This shortage is particularly problematic for the food service industry, as the country's growing popularity as a tourist destination increases demand for hospitality workers.
© Getty Images
20 / 30 Fotos
Honshu, Japan
- As the country experienced record-breaking tourism in July 2024, with over 3.2 million international visitors, hotel prices spiked and sites became increasingly overcrowded. To manage the influx, authorities implemented measures such as visitor caps and increased fees at popular sites like Mount Fuji.
© Getty Images
21 / 30 Fotos
European backlash
- Fodor's guide also highlights some of Europe's most popular destinations where residents are increasingly frustrated with the influx of tourists. With visitor numbers surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 7.2%, locals are expressing their discontent with protests and community initiatives aimed at reclaiming their cities.
© Getty Images
22 / 30 Fotos
Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona, with over 10,000 licensed vacation rentals, faces rising housing costs. The average home now rents for 68% more than a decade ago. To address this issue, the local government plans to revoke all licenses by 2028 and crack down on illegal rentals.
© Getty Images
23 / 30 Fotos
Barcelona, Spain
- On top of the housing crisis, residents are frustrated with the increase in noise pollution, littering, and public disturbances. To express their discontent, locals have taken to the streets, protesting against mass tourism and its detrimental effects on their community.
© Getty Images
24 / 30 Fotos
Mallorca, Spain
- Mallorca's pristine beaches and affordable prices have attracted a surge in "cheap tourism," a term used by locals to describe budget travelers who often prioritize low-cost experiences over responsible tourism. Local residents are struggling with rising housing costs, as short-term rentals drive up prices and displace long-term residents.
© Getty Images
25 / 30 Fotos
Canary Islands, Spain
- The Canary Islands, with a population of 2.2 million, welcomed nearly 10 million tourists in the first nine months of 2024. This surge has led to growing discontent among residents, who have joined nationwide protests against the negative impacts of mass tourism.
© Getty Images
26 / 30 Fotos
Lisbon, Portugal
- With 60% of dwellings converted into vacation rentals, Lisbon locals are also struggling with rising housing costs and a declining quality of life. The city's recent ranking as the third least financially viable place to live globally highlights the severity of this issue.
© Getty Images
27 / 30 Fotos
Lisbon, Portugal
- While locals struggle with the housing crisis and high living costs, the government faces criticism for policies favoring foreign investment. This has led to protests and a growing trend of emigration, with the population declining by 30% since 2013.
© Getty Images
28 / 30 Fotos
Venice, Italy
- Venice has implemented some strategies to combat overtourism, including a ban on large cruise ships and a new day-tripper fee. These initiatives aim to protect the city's fragile ecosystem and cultural heritage. However, some locals remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures, as evidenced by recent protests against the day-tripper fee. Sources: (Fodor's Travel) (CNN) (EuroNews) See also: Visitor attractions closed, abandoned, or overrun by tourists
© Getty Images
29 / 30 Fotos
Places to reconsider visiting in 2025
Popular travel destinations feeling the strain of overtourism
© Shutterstock
We've all been there: scrolling through social media, mesmerized by stunning travel photos and videos. It's easy to get caught up in the allure of the latest "must-visit" destination. But what if there's a downside to this travel boom?
Every year, the renowned travel guide Fodor's releases its "No List," highlighting popular destinations feeling the strain of overtourism. These once-pristine locations are now grappling with overcrowding, rising prices, and environmental degradation.
Curious to know which places made the list? Click through to discover the destinations that could benefit from a break from the tourist crowds.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU




































MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week