Here's Why Here's Why Summer Hot Spots Are Turning Against Tourists
Jul 11, 2025
In this discussion, Feargus O'Sullivan from Bloomberg CityLab sheds light on the growing discontent among residents in popular European tourist spots battling overtourism. He explores protests in cities like Paris and Zakynthos, where locals seek a more sustainable balance between economic benefits and quality of life. O'Sullivan highlights the complexities of managing tourism, including the limitations of strategies like tourist taxes and restrictions on short-term rentals. The conversation reveals the pressing need for innovative solutions to protect both communities and visitors.
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Europe's Over-Tourism Hotspots
- Over-tourism in Europe hits Mediterranean resorts, alpine villages, and historic cities like Barcelona and Paris hardest.
- Paris, with 400,000 tourists per square kilometre in 2024, faces an extreme concentration problem.
Tourism Exhaustion Drives Resentment
- Europe's 40% jump in tourist arrivals between 2023 and 2024 intensifies pressure on locals.
- Resentment grows not just from increased numbers but from exhaustion with persistent tourism pressure.
Managing Over-Tourism Tactics
- Cities implement Airbnb bans, cruise ship restrictions, and tourist taxes to manage over-tourism.
- They also promote less-known attractions to disperse visitors away from overcrowded hotspots.