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What Europe’s Busiest Cities Are Doing To Combat Overtourism In 2024
23.02.2024 - 12:11 / forbes.com
As worldwide tourist numbers continue to rise, major European destinations are making big moves to get mass tourism and its impact under control.
Tourist taxes are one tool being introduced or extended in the cities that struggle the most with runaway visitor numbers. Charges for overnight stays and cruise ship arrivals are set to become the norm, driving up the cost of international travel.
Following a more than doubling of global tourism numbers between 2000 and 2019, the UN's World Tourism Organization said this year could set new records for international arrivals worldwide.
Overtourism leads to many issues, from visible problems including overcrowding in the streets and on public transit, to longer-term issues for locals.
In cities such as Amsterdam and Barcelona, the popularity of buy-to-let property and vacation rentals has created housing shortages and driven up rental prices, forcing out long-term residents in some cases.
From introducing or raising tourist taxes, to limiting numbers allowed on tours of historic sites, major European destinations are making big changes for 2024.
The Dutch capital has long suffered from a reputation as a party capital. Following the mixed success of last year’s international media campaign to shed this image, the city’s tourist authorities are trying something new in 2024.
A new strategy titled "Renew Your View," seeks to improve the quality of life for residents by encouraging visitors to experience the city from a local's perspective. This includes reducing the appeal for those seeking the nighttime entertainment for which the city has long been known.
At the beginning of 2024, Amsterdam implemented new regulations to prioritize housing for students, teachers, and trainee police officers, restrict the number of private holiday rentals, and reduce the cap on bed and breakfast accommodations by 30%.
The city is also limiting permits for tourist-focused souvenir shops in favor of local businesses like bookshops, salons, and gyms. This initiative, running until early 2025, aims to preserve the city's charm and ensure a more authentic experience for visitors.
Amsterdam’s tourist taxes have also seen a significant hike, making these some of the highest rates in Europe.
The daily fee charged to cruise lines for day visitors has jumped to 14 euros ($15) per person, while the overnight fee built into hotel room rates has risen to 12.5% of the room rate. This increase applies to all accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget campgrounds.
Ever since its transformation for the 1992 Olympic Games, the Catalan city has experienced a boom in tourism.
As one of the first European cities to declare an overtourism problem, Barcelona’s city leaders have tried various
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