The rise of anti-tourism: causes, impacts and what the future holds for travelers and destinations

In recent months, we have seen protests and rejection of tourism in different destinations. What is driving this growing discontent among local communities?

Anti-tourism sentiment stems from the negative effects of mass tourism. Notoriously, destinations that experienced the ‘Airbnb crisis’ have known this sentiment for some years in advance. The increased prices of short-term rentals made housing unaffordable for locals in many worldwide cities, forcing them to move away from certain city areas. 

Beyond the housing crisis, residents lament the various effects of mass tourism, including noise and environmental pollution, resource shortages and social behaviors, all of which affect their lifestyle. In fact, tourism’s environmental footprint is significant when it comes to issues such as local water and energy consumption, as well as wastewater management. Communities try to protect natural assets amid times when climate change has already put a strain on already scarce resources.

Frustration also comes from overcrowding. A long queue to access a site or a slow walk to cross a packed shopping street feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some visitors, but represents a daily struggle for locals.

Disrespect for local customs and laws also fuels discontent among local communities, who are not against tourism itself, but seek to safeguard their home's beauty and prevent its social and cultural decline.

Could you give us examples of the main destinations where this “tourism fatigue” has become most evident?

Barcelona’s tourism boom began during the early 2000s Olympics, but protests only emerged later.  In 2025, the city joined the campaign “Southern Europe against Overtourism” with Portugal and Italy, and Spanish demonstrators used water pistols and smoke grenades, calling for ‘tourism degrowth’.

Kyoto’s Gion district illustrates the harm of over-tourism on tradition and beauty. Since 2019, photography has been banned and fines imposed, and in 2024, some roads were closed due to disrespectful visitor behavior. Post-COVID, Japan has seen a tourism boom from both international and domestic visitors. The government aims for 60 million tourists by 2030 while protecting cultural heritage, introducing measures like these restrictions as well as higher accommodation taxes.

Over-tourism worsens gentrification and climate pressures in Mexico City, especially in central areas like Roma and Condesa. As the city benefits from tourists and ‘digital nomads’, locals are being excluded, sparking mid-2025 protests with slogans like ‘Gringo go home’.

In Southern Italy, the Spanish Balearics and the Greek Cyclades, luxury resorts threaten natural landscapes. Residents must ration water in summer and cope with declining local agriculture.

From your experience, how does overtourism impact the daily lives of residents and local infrastructure?

The post-pandemic travel boom led to a 99% recovery of the tourism industry to its pre-pandemic levels. While some positive travel patterns are emerging, mass tourism poses real concerns. As an expat living in Athens and a frequent traveler I’ve been observing over the years the effects of over-tourism here and around the world. 

From my perspective, Athens mostly preserved its beauty and identity, but some areas are transformed due to the housing issues and rising prices for basic services and goods. Living costs are soaring. Overcrowding at the ancient sites and museums can make a short stay stressful. Overcrowding is evident even in the nightlife scene in notorious squares, or when commuting for a beach day on the Athenian Riviera. New hotels and restaurants sneak continuously behind the corner, reducing open spaces and increasing issues with parking and traffic. In 2025, Athens is expected to receive a record 10 million visitors, almost equal to the country’s population - a rhythm that doesn’t feel sustainable for residents.

What attitudes or behaviors from tourists tend to generate the most frustration among host communities?

Frustration arises because locals perceive tourists as exploitative and careless. Other reasons that trigger anti-tourism sentiment are the feeling that local needs are ignored in favor of tourists, who are responsible for environmental deterioration, strain on limited resources and the rising costs of lifestyle. Some also complain that tourism impacts the beauty and identity of places.

In this context, what practical recommendations would you give to travelers to be respectful and responsible guests?

Travel has become part of our fast-paced lives. Rethink it: be patient, curious, and enjoy the unplanned.

Whether tourists or expats, respect the host country and support locals. Treat your stay as if it were home. Slow travel lets you connect with local customs and people. Learn about a country beforehand to spot authenticity and avoid tourist traps.

Plan ahead, but don’t overdo checklists. Flexibility is part of the experience.

Are there destinations that, in contrast, remain very positive and welcoming towards tourism? Could you mention some examples?

Positivity towards tourism persists in destinations that have not been too overwhelmed by mass tourism. Geographically remote destinations, such as small Caribbean Islands, are less likely to be impacted than more accessible ones.

Countries like Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, which experienced increased tourism arrivals only recently, view tourism favorably. Visa liberalization is also used as a soft power to position internationally and seek economic opportunities with geopolitical allies.

It’s possible that increased tourism won’t spoil some regions, thanks to a stronger sense of identity and tradition. Bhutan preserves its forestry resources and green beauty thanks to its Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), a daily levy paid by visitors to support the country’s development. Sustainable tourism models are rare but possible, and their demand is on the rise. Eco-hotels and Eco-tourism formulas are gaining traction.

It’s also worth noting that a country can experience both over-tourism and positive hospitality at the same time. 

With the arrival of autumn and winter in many source markets, what travel trends do you expect to see for the rest of 2025?

As travel booms, we’re seeing many interesting travel trends grow. One to watch out for is work-life blending or ‘bleisure travel’ - a trend that remains on the rise. Thanks to remote jobs and more affordable travel conditions, many choose to combine work and leisure trips. Slow travel, calmcations and retreats, with the core objective to slow down, relax and interact deeply with the local environment and community, are increasingly demanded, often combined with workshops and activities that require stopping and focusing without screen interruptions.

What role should governments and tourism companies play in mitigating tensions between local communities and visitors?

Governments and stakeholders in the tourism sector should work for complementary solutions. Governments should promote policies and regulations, such as visitor caps in Machu Picchu and entry fees imposed in Venice. Many countries are already amending the short-term rentals issues with new laws. Limiting foreign investments can also help communities to maintain control over their economies. Tourism should not be discouraged; instead, rethought. Local laws to protect the environment, such as bans on reef-toxic sunscreens or single-use plastics in hotel supplies. On the other hand, travel operators, transport companies and tourism service providers must embrace this model, co-create and partner with the locals, educate about the cultural heritage of destinations, and invest in sustainable tourism.

Finally, how do you envision the relationship between tourists and residents evolving in the coming years?

Tourists are starting to respond to overcrowding and local pushback by changing their travel patterns. More travelers are choosing smaller or lesser-known destinations, taking off-season trips, or visiting cooler climates where nature and wildlife are the main attractions. “Coolcations” have emerged as one of the strongest travel trends. Many places change dramatically during the low season, which is why I personally opt for frequent off-season short getaways, enjoying a quieter stay and supporting locals, living more like a resident than a tourist.

This balance can shift quickly due to external factors. In Santorini, cruise ships and the ‘Instagram effect’ once caused long lines and overcrowding at sunset spots. This year, seismic activity temporarily reduced tourism and lowered prices, which many locals welcomed.

However, not all destinations are seeing this change. Iconic sites like Rome, Paris, Venice, the Greek islands, Santiago de Compostela, and the Vatican will continue to draw large crowds. Their cultural, religious, and historical significance ensures steady demand, despite shifts in broader travel behavior. Over-tourism feels like a threat, but if we don’t ignore it, travel could take advantage of this catalyst to evolve in a positive direction.