This Is Why European Cities Are Cracking Down on Tourists

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While Europe has long welcomed tourists across the region, something happened over the last 12 months. Whereas tourists were once a vibrant addition to the buzz of many cities , the residents of these cities and countries are now turning their back on the crowds. In fact, many European cities aren’t just turning their back on tourists but aggressively asking them to leave.

1. Overcrowding

Crowds are getting heavier in Europe, causing local frustration.

In Barcelona and Venice, in particular, the overwhelming number of tourists is crowding historic centers. The local population is overwhelmed as public streets, squares, and attractions are difficult to visit or just pass through.

2. Infrastructure Concerns

Buses are overwhelmed by the number of tourists visiting in Europe.

With the same focus on overcrowding, infrastructure concerns are a major emphasis for European residents. Trains and public transportation methods like buses are too crowded for the existing systems.

3. Ecological Issues

Even smaller cruise ships have to be mindful of where they are sailing.

There is little question that environmental concerns are at the forefront of the rising resentment of tourists in Europe. For example, in Venice, cruise ships now park farther away from shore to avoid damage to the local ecosystem.

4. Increased Pollution

The more traffic tourists bring, the more vehicle emissions to worry about.

Along with infrastructure concerns, more pollution is another environmental impact of overcrowded tourism. It’s become too much for European residents between additional garbage and vehicle emissions.

5. Too Much Noise

Amsterdam looks calm during the day but gets rowdy at night.

For many tourists visiting Europe, the nightlife has long been a highlight. This is especially true in Amsterdam, but this city is now actively discouraging tourists from getting high or drunk by threatening arrest.

6. Historical Concerns

Tourists are overcrowding cities like Dubrovnik, which is affecting historical buildings.

In Dubrovnik, Croatia, where Game of Thrones was filmed, more than 1.2 million people visited in 2023 for a town of just 41,000 people. This foot traffic risks damage to the medieval walls that help make this city such a major tourist attraction.

7. Housing Crisis

Housing prices are going up because of tourists.

While companies like Airbnb are making money from this increased tourism drive in Europe, it’s also pricing out local travelers. In turn, hotels and Airbnb rentals are becoming more expensive, affecting residents who need to travel locally.

8. Local Economy Shifts

Local markets are overcrowded, causing issues for residents.

Much of Europe has long welcomed tourist-oriented shops as long as they don’t impact traditional businesses. Lately, there has been a priority shift as neighborhoods have become far less welcoming of tourist-specific shopping destinations.

9. Loss of Authenticity

Venice is pushing back against any tourists that are disrupting city culture.

Much of Europe has long prided itself as authentic to these incredible locations' history. However, too much tourism is causing many of these cities to lose themselves to the influx of non-traditional practices adversely impacting local culture, something Barcelona has looked to curtail by limiting tour groups.

10. Increased Crime

More tourists means more criminals come to an area looking for victims.

The rise of tourists also brings out the bad elements, including those who wish to prey on foolish tourists. Pickpockets don’t judge between residents and tourists, and the same goes for other petty criminals who might look to break into hotel rooms, allowing crime rates to rise dramatically.

11. Emergency Services

Increased tourism means more strain on emergency services for residents.

Should something happen while you are traveling, you want emergency services to be able to reach you as fast as possible, and the same goes for residents. Too many tourists are stretching first responders to the brink, and it's detrimental to residents.

12. Rising Costs

Some European cities are raising taxes on tourists to lessen the number of visitors.

Cities like Valencia, Vienna, and Zagreb are reacting differently to help offset rising tourist visits. By upping tourist taxes, they are looking to offset all of the different impacts tourists can bring to the area. These cities are fed up with tourists coming in and breaking local culture, and they are taking action to reduce the impact.

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