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Overtourism: Amsterdam, Switzerland, Barcelona and Venice join forces to combat the phenomenon

TOURISM

With chants of “tourists, go home” and symbolic acts of sealing off hotels and restaurant terraces, the message was clear. More than 3,000 people, representing over 150 organizations and social movements, demostrated for this phenomenon. Barcelona, Amsterdam, Switzerland and Venice are cited as the top destinations for travel demand while strongly expressing their dissatisfaction with tourist inflation.

Barcelona, Spain’s most visited city, attracts an astonishing 32 million visitors annually, many arriving on cruise ships. The city council has responded by raising the tourist tax to €4 per person and announcing plans to eliminate 10,000 tourist flat licenses over the next five years. As one protester bluntly stated, “Restaurants and hotels are making huge profits, but people are struggling to make ends meet. That’s a problem.”

Switzerland, too, faces its share of tourism-induced challenges. To manage the influx, the village imposed a fee on tourists wanting to visit the famous pontoon where a romantic scene was filmed. Martin Nydegger, head of Switzerland Tourism, emphasized the need for proactive measures: “We want to direct holidaymakers to the right places, at the right time.” By promoting off-season travel and less-visited destinations, Switzerland aims to prevent localized bottlenecks and maintain a positive relationship between tourists and locals.

Amsterdam has taken a bold step in addressing overtourism by announcing a ban on cruise ships by 2035. This move is designed to reduce congestion in the city center and mitigate environmental impacts.

Venice has long grappled with overtourism. The city’s narrow streets and delicate infrastructure are particularly vulnerable to the pressures of mass tourism. Venice has implemented measures such as introducing entry fees and controlling access to popular sites.

Balancing economic benefits with environmental and social responsibility is key to preserving the allure of these destinations while safeguarding their cultural integrity. By embracing thoughtful planning and community engagement, stakeholders can chart a path toward a more sustainable and inclusive tourism future.

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