As the world emerges from the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic, global tourism is witnessing a remarkable resurgence.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the number of international tourists, which peaked at 1.5 billion in 2019, is projected to hit 1.8 billion by 2030.

However, with this booming growth comes the pressing issue of overtourism - an alarming phenomenon that threatens to suffocate some of the globe’s most cherished destinations.

Overtourism occurs when the sheer volume of visitors overwhelms a location, leading to overcrowding, environmental degradation, and strained relationships between tourists and local communities.

Recently, Spain has become ground zero for anti-tourism sentiments, with protesters actively urging British visitors to steer clear this summer to protect their local environments and quality of life.

This disturbing trend is echoed in unforgettable locations like Venice, Italy, which aims to combat the strain of mass tourism with bold new measures.

mass tourism

Beyond the tourist trap: how destinations are battling overtourism in a post-pandemic world