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Methodology -

Fodor's compiles the list after consulting with various stakeholders, including tourism boards, NGOs, environmental specialists, and locals. According to the guide, rather than advocating for travel boycotts, the goal is to raise awareness of pressing issues and encourage sustainable tourism practices that protect these beloved destinations for future generations.

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Bali, Indonesia -

The Bali Partnership, a coalition formed to study and solve waste issues, estimates that Bali generates 1.6 million tons (1.45 million tonnes) of waste annually, including nearly 303,000 tons (274,721 tonnes) of plastic. Only 7% of plastic waste is recycled, leaving 33,000 tons (30,000 tonnes) of plastic polluting Bali's environment each year.

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Bali, Indonesia -

Overtourism is fueling rapid, unchecked development in Bali, threatening its natural beauty and cultural heritage. A "plastic apocalypse" looms as the tourism industry, while boosting the economy, harms the very environment that sustains it.

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Koh Samui, Thailand -

Koh Samui, already grappling with overtourism, faces a potential crisis with a new season of 'The White Lotus' premiering in 2025. If the show, set on the island, boosts tourism as it did for Sicily, the island's fragile infrastructure and environment could be overwhelmed.

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Koh Samui, Thailand -

Government concerns include waste management, illegal construction, and the risk of landslides due to unchecked development and deforestation. The daily removal of 60 tons (54 tonnes) of waste is insufficient to address the 200,000-ton (181,437-tonne) backlog and ongoing waste generation from residents and tourists.

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Agrigento, Sicily, Italy -

Listed as one of the destinations beginning to suffer, the city on the southwest coast of Sicily is set to become the Italian Capital of Culture in 2025 while it faces a severe water crisis. Increased tourism, fueled by the cultural title, could exacerbate this issue, potentially harming its cultural treasures and burdening residents.

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Agrigento, Sicily, Italy -

The drought, intensified by global warming effects, threatens Agrigento's historical sites, including the Valley of the Temples. Water shortages have forced businesses to close and limited water supply in accommodations. Some hotels even restricted bookings in August due to water scarcity.

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Mount Everest, Nepal -

Gone are the days when skill was the barrier to climbing Everest. Today, money is the key. Inexperienced tourists can hire local guides to carry their gear, increasing the risk for these workers and contributing to overcrowding. In the past 25 years, visitor numbers have doubled to around 58,000 annually.

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Mount Everest, Nepal -

To accommodate rising visitor numbers, simple huts have been transformed into hotels, increasing waste. Daily waste now reaches 1,742 pounds (790 kilograms) during peak season. With a record number of permits issued in 2023 and no cap on visitors, the trend of increasing tourism continues.

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British Virgin Islands -

The British Virgin Islands' economy relies heavily on tourism, but a growing dominance of cruise tourism, accounting for 72% of arrivals, is raising concerns. Cruise passengers spend less locally than resort guests, traditionally the main drivers of tourism revenue. This shift could negatively impact the environment and local communities.

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British Virgin Islands -

The area’s coral reefs, already threatened by climate change, are facing additional stress. Lax regulations on anchoring, development, and even on the type of sunscreen applied by tourists contribute to coral die-off. 

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Kerala, India -

The surge in tourism, combined with unregulated development, has exacerbated natural disasters in Kerala. This was tragically illustrated by the deadly July landslides that claimed over 400 lives. Despite repeated warnings, the government's relentless focus on tourism promotion, coupled with a lack of oversight, has contributed to this crisis.

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Kerala, India -

Vembanad Lake, a vital part of Kerala's backwater tourism and an internationally important wetland, is shrinking due to floods, illegal construction, and overtourism. The proliferation of houseboats and resorts, which discharge wastewater directly into the lake, has led to environmental degradation and harm to aquatic life.

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Oaxaca, Mexico -

Oaxacans are concerned about the commercialization of their culture, particularly the Guelaguetza festival. Locals say this once authentic celebration has become a highly staged, ticketed event, alienating them and prioritizing tourist experiences. 

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Oaxaca, Mexico -

Gentrification and community displacement are significant consequences of overtourism in Oaxaca. While tourism provides economic opportunities for some, particularly in isolated communities, it also leads to locals being forced out of well-served areas into underdeveloped regions.

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Scotland's North Coast 500 (NC500) -

The NC500, a scenic coastal route through the Scottish Highlands, has seen a surge in popularity since its launch in 2015. While this has boosted the local economy, it has also brought challenges. Overtourism is driving up living costs, pricing out locals, and altering the region's cultural landscape.

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Scotland's North Coast 500 (NC500) -

Camping is a popular way to experience the NC500. However, a lack of adequate facilities is leading to environmental issues. Residents report finding litter, damage, and human waste in areas where tourists have camped. 

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Kyoto, Japan -

The term "Kankō kōgai," or "tourism pollution," reflects growing concerns about overtourism in Japan. Despite efforts like congestion cameras, separate bus stops, and warnings against harassment of locals, popular destinations like Kyoto continue to struggle with overcrowding and cultural disrespect.

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Kyoto, Japan -

The Gion district, renowned for its geisha culture, has been significantly impacted by tourism. Years of harassment, including tourists chasing and photographing these artists without consent, led to a 2019 ban on photography in the district.

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Tokyo, Japan -

Tokyo and other Japanese cities are facing severe labor shortages across various sectors, including nursing care, food service, and construction. This shortage is particularly problematic for the food service industry, as the country's growing popularity as a tourist destination increases demand for hospitality workers.

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Honshu, Japan -

As the country experienced record-breaking tourism in July 2024, with over 3.2 million international visitors, hotel prices spiked and sites became increasingly overcrowded. To manage the influx, authorities implemented measures such as visitor caps and increased fees at popular sites like Mount Fuji.

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European backlash -

Fodor's guide also highlights some of Europe's most popular destinations where residents are increasingly frustrated with the influx of tourists. With visitor numbers surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 7.2%, locals are expressing their discontent with protests and community initiatives aimed at reclaiming their cities.

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Barcelona, Spain -

Barcelona, with over 10,000 licensed vacation rentals, faces rising housing costs. The average home now rents for 68% more than a decade ago. To address this issue, the local government plans to revoke all licenses by 2028 and crack down on illegal rentals.

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Barcelona, Spain -

On top of the housing crisis, residents are frustrated with the increase in noise pollution, littering, and public disturbances. To express their discontent, locals have taken to the streets, protesting against mass tourism and its detrimental effects on their community.

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Mallorca, Spain -

Mallorca's pristine beaches and affordable prices have attracted a surge in "cheap tourism," a term used by locals to describe budget travelers who often prioritize low-cost experiences over responsible tourism. Local residents are struggling with rising housing costs, as short-term rentals drive up prices and displace long-term residents.

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Canary Islands, Spain -

The Canary Islands, with a population of 2.2 million, welcomed nearly 10 million tourists in the first nine months of 2024. This surge has led to growing discontent among residents, who have joined nationwide protests against the negative impacts of mass tourism.

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Lisbon, Portugal -

With 60% of dwellings converted into vacation rentals, Lisbon locals are also struggling with rising housing costs and a declining quality of life. The city's recent ranking as the third least financially viable place to live globally highlights the severity of this issue.

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Lisbon, Portugal -

While locals struggle with the housing crisis and high living costs, the government faces criticism for policies favoring foreign investment. This has led to protests and a growing trend of emigration, with the population declining by 30% since 2013.

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Venice, Italy -

Venice has implemented some strategies to combat overtourism, including a ban on large cruise ships and a new day-tripper fee. These initiatives aim to protect the city's fragile ecosystem and cultural heritage. However, some locals remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures, as evidenced by recent protests against the day-tripper fee.

Sources: (Fodor's Travel) (CNN) (EuroNews) 

See also: Visitor attractions closed, abandoned, or overrun by tourists

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