Thailand
Thailand has been a magnet for travelers, but the country is now on the verge of drastically limiting who can visit. In 2024, the Thai government proposed a strict cap on visitor numbers, especially to its most fragile sites like Maya Bay, which was famously closed in the past due to environmental damage. With nearly 39 million international arrivals in 2023, the pressure on Thailand’s beaches, reefs, and forests has reached a breaking point. Officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports are worried about coral bleaching, wildlife disruption, and the sheer volume of waste left by tourists. The government’s proposal includes daily visitor caps and seasonal closures for certain islands. With tourism making up about 20% of Thailand’s GDP, this is a bold move, but authorities insist that preserving the country’s natural beauty comes first. The plan is also a response to local protests, as many residents have grown frustrated by overcrowding and rising prices. If enacted, these restrictions could dramatically change how—and if—people experience Thailand’s most iconic spots.
Venice, Italy
Venice is one of the world’s most magical cities, but its beauty is under siege from mass tourism. In 2025, the city announced new plans to impose daily limits on tourist arrivals in a bid to save its fragile ecosystem and historic architecture. Each year, Venice is swamped by more than 30 million visitors, far outnumbering its shrinking population of locals. The mayor’s office is pushing for a reservation system, requiring tourists to book their entry in advance and pay a fee, with numbers capped during peak periods. The city’s canals and landmarks, such as St. Mark’s Basilica, are at risk from overtourism-induced erosion and pollution. Residents have staged protests, claiming that Venice is becoming unlivable. City officials stress that their primary goal is to preserve Venice’s cultural heritage, even if that means fewer tourists. These measures are set to roll out by the end of 2025, marking a turning point for tourism in the city.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali’s lush landscapes and vibrant culture have drawn millions, but the island is buckling under the weight of tourist numbers. In 2024, local leaders debated a tourist quota system after a record 6.3 million arrivals in 2023. Environmental concerns are at the forefront: beaches littered with trash, water shortages, and worsening pollution have locals worried about the island’s future. The Balinese government is exploring daily visitor caps and stricter environmental regulations for hotels and tour operators. Officials have also talked about banning certain types of tourism, like “party tourism,” which is notorious for leaving behind waste. Local communities are increasingly vocal, demanding a shift towards sustainability to protect their home. If the government moves forward with these tough rules, Bali could see a dramatic drop in visitor numbers, transforming the island’s tourism industry.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is famous for its art, architecture, and lively streets, but the city is now overwhelmed by its own popularity. In 2025, city leaders revealed plans to restrict tourist numbers after arrivals soared to 12 million, putting tremendous strain on public services and neighborhoods. The city council is considering daily caps at major attractions like La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Tourism has driven up rents and prices, and many locals feel pushed out of their own city. These proposed restrictions also aim to reduce noise and congestion, which have sparked frequent protests. The city’s tourism office is exploring ways to spread visitors more evenly throughout the year and promote lesser-known sites. If these measures pass, Barcelona could become one of Europe’s toughest cities for tourists to enter, especially during peak season.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is a dream destination for many, but the ancient Incan citadel is in danger from its own fame. In 2024, the Peruvian government announced plans to drastically limit daily visitor numbers to preserve the site’s structural integrity. With around 1.5 million tourists annually, the stone pathways and terraces are eroding at an alarming rate. UNESCO has repeatedly warned that too many tourists are damaging this World Heritage site. The new regulations could include timed tickets, mandatory guides, and restricted access during certain months. The Ministry of Culture also wants to improve monitoring and enforcement to make sure quotas are respected. While the government recognizes tourism’s importance, it insists that the preservation of Machu Picchu must come first. Tourists hoping to visit in the future may have to plan far in advance and face higher prices.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini’s postcard-perfect cliffs and blue-domed churches are under threat from the crush of visitors. In 2025, island officials reported that more than 2 million tourists descended each summer, overwhelming the narrow streets and limited infrastructure. Authorities are considering measures like capping cruise ship arrivals and introducing daily visitor limits for the island’s most famous villages. Locals complain of water shortages, rising rents, and crowded beaches. The government is also exploring taxes on short-term rentals and stricter rules for tour buses. The goal is to preserve Santorini’s unique charm while ensuring that both residents and visitors can enjoy it. These changes could make spontaneous trips to Santorini a thing of the past, especially during the busy summer months.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is another city drowning in tourists. In 2024, city officials unveiled plans to limit arrivals, especially from cruise ships, after welcoming around 4 million visitors in 2023. The UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its iconic walls, has suffered from overcrowding and wear. The city is introducing a ticketing system for popular attractions and may limit the number of cruise liners docking each day. Residents have voiced frustration over noise, traffic, and the conversion of homes into tourist rentals. Dubrovnik’s mayor has said that protecting local culture and heritage is a top priority. If these reforms are enacted, visitors will need to book ahead and may find spots in the Old Town much harder to secure.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands are a living laboratory of evolution, but their delicate balance is being threatened by rising visitor numbers. In 2025, the Ecuadorian government reported a 15% increase in tourism over the previous year, sparking new talks about banning or severely limiting tourist arrivals. The Galápagos National Park Service is considering stricter caps on tour groups, new permits, and seasonal closures for certain fragile areas. Locals and scientists have raised alarms about the impact on wildlife, from giant tortoises to rare birds. Tour operators may face tougher regulations, and illegal or unsustainable tours could be shut down entirely. The government’s focus is on protecting the islands’ unique biodiversity for future generations, even if that means fewer visitors in the short term.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto’s serene temples and cherry blossoms attract millions, but the city is struggling to cope with its overwhelming popularity. In 2024, officials revealed that more than 50 million tourists visited, causing major congestion and strain on infrastructure. The city government is considering limits on how many people can enter popular neighborhoods, such as Gion, during peak times. There are also plans to promote off-peak tourism and introduce reservation systems for major temples. Residents have complained about noise, litter, and a loss of local traditions, leading to growing support for tougher restrictions. The city is also working with local businesses to encourage respectful tourist behavior. If these plans are implemented, Kyoto could become a model for sustainable tourism in Japan.
Iceland
Iceland’s dramatic landscapes have made it a must-visit for adventurers, but the country is at risk of being loved to death. In 2025, the Icelandic Tourist Board noted that international arrivals topped 2 million in 2023, nearly six times the country’s population. This surge has put pressure on natural sites like the Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle, leading to erosion and pollution. The government is considering a cap on tourist numbers during peak months and introducing stricter regulations for tour companies. Officials are also promoting eco-friendly travel and encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known areas. Local communities have called for more say in how tourism is managed. If these proposals move forward, visiting Iceland’s most famous sites could soon require advance planning and new fees.
