As overtourism strains popular destinations worldwide—disrupting local economies, transport systems and fragile ecosystems—cities and protected areas are adopting measures to reduce its impact.
In the United States, national parks are experiencing a surge in visitors that threatens the very landscapes they exist to protect. Over the past year, park managers have explored reservation systems and other tools to manage growing visitor numbers more sustainably.
More than 330 million people visited a site in the National Park System last year, with many spending longer periods in these areas. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Great Smoky Mountains National Park ranked among the most-visited sites during that period.
Some parks face severe congestion when shuttle buses unload large groups directly onto trailheads, leading to crowded paths and diminished visitor experience. As former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke observed, “Our national parks are being loved to death.” Implementing reservation systems remains an ongoing effort and could take a year or more to roll out fully across affected parks.
Internationally, governments and local authorities are also taking stricter steps to tackle overtourism. Dubrovnik has announced plans to cap daily entries to its historic center. Machu Picchu introduced a timed-ticket reservation system last July to stagger visitor flow throughout the day. Thailand will close the popular Maya Bay for four months each year beginning in June to allow reefs and marine habitats to recover.
These measures aim to balance tourism’s economic benefits with the needs of residents and the health of natural and cultural resources. By regulating visitor numbers, staggering arrival times and temporarily closing sensitive sites, authorities hope to preserve destinations for future generations while maintaining a viable tourism industry.
As destinations continue to monitor environmental effects and residents’ concerns, policies will evolve. Effective management combines data-driven planning, clear communication with visitors, investment in infrastructure such as shuttle systems and trails, and strong enforcement when necessary. When well-designed, these strategies can reduce overcrowding, protect ecosystems and support local communities that depend on tourism.
Addressing overtourism requires cooperation among park agencies, local governments, tourism operators and travelers themselves. Visitors can help by planning in advance, choosing off-peak times, following designated routes and respecting local rules. Together, these actions can lessen pressure on popular sites and contribute to more sustainable travel practices worldwide.