This is why European cities crack down on tourists

While Europe has long welcomed tourists from the region, something has happened in the last 12 months. While tourists were once a vibrant addition to the buzz of many cities, the residents of these cities and countries are now turning their backs on the crowds. In fact, many European cities don’t just turn away tourists, they aggressively ask 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 crowd the historic centers. The local population is overwhelmed as public streets, markets and attractions are difficult to visit or just pass by.

2. Infrastructure concerns

Buses are outnumbered by tourists visiting Europe.

With the same focus on overcrowding, infrastructure concerns are a major focus for European residents. Trains and public transport such as buses are too crowded for existing systems.

3. Ecological problems

Even smaller cruise ships need to be careful where they sail.

There is no doubt that environmental concerns are at the forefront of Europe’s growing tourist resentment. For example, in Venice, cruise ships now park further from shore to avoid damaging the local ecosystem.

4. Increased pollution

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

Along with infrastructure concerns, more pollution is another environmental impact of overcrowded tourism. It has become too much for European residents between the extra trash and vehicle emissions.

5. Too much noise

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

For many tourists visiting Europe, nightlife has long been a highlight. This is especially true in Amsterdam, but that city now actively discourages tourists from getting drunk or getting drunk through the threat of arrest.

6. Historical concerns

Tourists overcrowd cities like Dubrovnik, which affects historic buildings.

In Dubrovnik, Croatia, where Game of Thrones was filmed, over 1.2 million people visited a town of just 41,000 in 2023. This foot traffic risks damaging the medieval walls that help make this city such an important tourist attraction.

7. The housing crisis

Housing prices are rising because of tourists.

While companies like Airbnb make money from this increase in tourism in Europe, it also values ​​local travelers. In turn, hotels and Airbnb rentals are becoming more expensive, affecting residents who must travel locally.

8. Changes in the local economy

Local markets are overcrowded, causing problems for residents.

Much of Europe has long welcomed tourist-oriented shops as long as they do not affect traditional businesses. Lately, there has been a shift in priorities as neighborhoods have become much less welcoming to tourist-specific shopping destinations.

9. Loss of authenticity

Venice pushes back against any tourists who disrupt the city’s culture.

Much of Europe has long prided itself on being authentic to the history of these incredible locations. However, too much tourism is causing many of these cities to become lost due to the influx of non-traditional practices that have a negative impact on local culture, which Barcelona has tried to reduce by limiting tour groups.

10. Increase in crime

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

The increase in tourists also brings out the bad elements, including those who want to prey on stupid 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 pressure on emergency services for residents.

If something happens while you’re traveling, you want emergency services to be able to get to you as quickly as possible, and the same goes for residents. Too many tourists push first responders to the brink, and this is to the detriment of residents.

12. Rising costs

Some European cities are increasing tourist taxes to reduce the number of visitors.

Cities such as Valencia, Vienna and Zagreb are reacting differently to help offset rising visits. By increasing tourist taxes, they seek to compensate for all the different effects that tourists can bring to the area. These cities are tired of tourists coming and destroying the local culture and are taking steps to reduce the impact.

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