Full list of 39 holiday hotspots cracking down on mass-tourism - 4 in the UK

Full list of 39 holiday hotspots cracking down on mass-tourism – 4 in the UK

Posted by author January 22, 2025 Travel

In a bid to combat overtourism, 39 destinations around the world have introduced measures to regulate visitor numbers and preserve their cultural and natural heritage.

The post-pandemic resurgence in global travel has pushed many popular destinations beyond their limits, prompting governments and local authorities to enforce stricter rules and taxes on tourists.

These initiatives aim to protect ecosystems, support local residents, and encourage sustainable tourism practices.

Notably, four such places in the UK have taken a stand against mass tourism in popular hotspots.

Cornwall:

Cornwall is renowned for its rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and quaint villages, and has long been a magnet for domestic and international tourists.

However, the influx of visitors has created significant challenges, particularly in the housing market.

To combat overtourism and its impact on the housing crisis, Cornwall has introduced a compulsory registration system for short-term holiday rentals. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have dramatically increased the number of properties used for tourism, often at the expense of local housing availability.

In 2023, the UK government proposed a £160 million investment to tackle issues arising from holiday lets, aiming to alleviate problems such as unaffordable housing and disruptive behaviour during peak seasons.

Wales:

Wales, with its picturesque landscapes and historic castles, is moving toward implementing a “visitor levy” to fund sustainable tourism initiatives.

The Welsh government introduced a bill in November 2023 to charge tourists up to £1.25 per night, with plans to implement the levy by 2027.

Edinburgh:

The historic city of Edinburgh, known for its iconic castle and annual festivals, is preparing to introduce a tourist tax to manage its booming visitor numbers.

From July 2026, visitors staying in hotels, B&Bs, campsites, or short-term rentals like Airbnb will be required to pay a five per cent levy on the cost of their accommodation per night.

The levy could generate up to £50 million annually, earmarked for improving public services and infrastructure to benefit both locals and tourists.

Yorkshire Dales:

The Yorkshire Dales, a national park famous for its rolling hills and charming villages, is addressing overtourism by prioritising the needs of its local communities.

Authorities have proposed a ban on the construction of second homes and holiday lets in the Dales.

Any new housing developments within the national park will be designated for permanent occupancy to combat the hollowing out of rural communities.

Here’s a breakdown of other destinations around the world taking action:

Italy

Venice: A €5 (£4.20) fee for day-trippers in spring and summer 2025, alongside limits on tour group sizes and a ban on cruise ships entering the historic centre.
Portofino: Fines up to €275 (£232) for tourists, creating congestion in selfie spots.
Capri: A proposed buoy barrier to protect its coastline.
Rome: Fines for going topless, leaving “love padlocks,” or eating messy food near landmarks.
Sardinia: Beach bans and visitor caps on fragile ecosystems.
Florence: Restrictions on short-term rentals and tour group noise.
Trentino Alto Adige: Guest caps and mandatory pre-registration for certain attractions.

Greece