While Europe has long welcomed tourists across the region, something happened over the last 12 months. Whereas tourists were once a vibrant addition to the buzz of many cities, the residents of these cities and countries are now turning their back on the crowds. In fact, many European cities aren’t just turning their back on tourists but aggressively asking them to leave.
1. Overcrowding
In Barcelona and Venice, in particular, the overwhelming number of tourists is crowding historic centers. The local population is overwhelmed as public streets, squares, and attractions are difficult to visit or just pass through.
2. Infrastructure Concerns
With the same focus on overcrowding, infrastructure concerns are a major emphasis for European residents. Trains and public transportation methods like buses are too crowded for the existing systems.
3. Ecological Issues
There is little question that environmental concerns are at the forefront of the rising resentment of tourists in Europe. For example, in Venice, cruise ships now park farther away from shore to avoid damage to the local ecosystem.
4. Increased Pollution
Along with infrastructure concerns, more pollution is another environmental impact of overcrowded tourism. It’s become too much for European residents between additional garbage and vehicle emissions.
5. Too Much Noise
For many tourists visiting Europe, the nightlife has long been a highlight. This is especially true in Amsterdam, but this city is now actively discouraging tourists from getting high or drunk by threatening arrest.
6. Historical Concerns
In Dubrovnik, Croatia, where Game of Thrones was filmed, more than 1.2 million people visited in 2023 for a town of just 41,000 people. This foot traffic risks damage to the medieval walls that help make this city such a major tourist attraction.
7. Housing Crisis
While companies like Airbnb are making money from this increased tourism drive in Europe, it’s also pricing out local travelers. In turn, hotels and Airbnb rentals are becoming more expensive, affecting residents who need to travel locally.
8. Local Economy Shifts
Much of Europe has long welcomed tourist-oriented shops as long as they don’t impact traditional businesses. Lately, there has been a priority shift as neighborhoods have become far less welcoming of tourist-specific shopping destinations.
9. Loss of Authenticity
Much of Europe has long prided itself as authentic to these incredible locations’ history. However, too much tourism is causing many of these cities to lose themselves to the influx of non-traditional practices adversely impacting local culture, something Barcelona has looked to curtail by limiting tour groups.
10. Increased Crime
The rise of tourists also brings out the bad elements, including those who wish to prey on foolish 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
Should something happen while you are traveling, you want emergency services to be able to reach you as fast as possible, and the same goes for residents. Too many tourists are stretching first responders to the brink, and it’s detrimental to residents.
12. Rising Costs
Cities like Valencia, Vienna, and Zagreb are reacting differently to help offset rising tourist visits. By upping tourist taxes, they are looking to offset all of the different impacts tourists can bring to the area. These cities are fed up with tourists coming in and breaking local culture, and they are taking action to reduce the impact.
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