Essential Travel Updates: Key Rule Changes in 20 Popular Destinations

Post-pandemic travel has led to overtourism in many regions. Governments are now taking action to protect their environments and residents. This article highlights key destinations implementing new restrictions to manage tourist numbers and preserve their unique characteristics.

1. Italy: Entry Taxes and Fines

• Venice: Venice will enforce an entry fee for day-trippers and ban cruise ships in the city center. They will also restrict overcrowded tour groups.
• Rome: Rome has introduced fines for topless behavior, messy eating, and leaving locks on bridges. These measures aim to maintain cleanliness and respect for cultural landmarks.
• Portofino: Portofino will impose fines for lingering at popular photo spots to facilitate smooth tourist flow.
• Capri: Proposed buoy barriers will prevent boats from sailing too close to the shoreline, protecting marine life and coastal beauty.
• Florence: Florence will ban Airbnb and short-term rentals in its historic center, restricting unlicensed tour guides to preserve its culture.
• Sardinia: Sardinia has set visitor caps and fines for entering protected beaches to safeguard its unique ecosystems.
• Trentino Alto Adige: Limits on overnight stays in natural areas will reduce environmental pressure and promote sustainable tourism.

2. Greece: Visitor and Cruise Limits

• Athens: Athens will cap daily visitors to the Acropolis to protect this historic monument from overuse.
• Santorini & Mykonos: Cruise ship arrivals will be reduced in Santorini and Mykonos to address overtourism concerns.
• Greek Islands: An upcoming levy on cruise ship visitors aims to curb overcrowding and encourage sustainable travel practices.

3. Austria: Tourist Caps in Hallstatt

Hallstatt will limit buses and cars, reducing visitors by one-third. Wooden fences will protect scenic views and prevent overcrowded selfie spots.

4. Ecuador: Galapagos Entry Fees

Tourists must pay $200 for entry to the Galapagos Islands. They must stay on marked trails and travel with authorized guides. Private yachts are banned in protected areas.

5. Philippines: Boracay’s Environmental Cleanup

• Boracay temporarily closed in 2018 for environmental rehabilitation. The reopening features strict guidelines for sustainable tourism.
• Maya Beach: Maya Beach reopened with new restrictions, including a swimming ban, to restore coral reefs.

6. Thailand: Maya Bay Restrictions

Swimming at Maya Bay is banned to protect coral reefs. Visitor numbers will be capped, and motorboats will be restricted.

7. Malaysia: Penang’s Airbnb Regulations

Penang prohibits short-term rentals in residential areas unless residents approve. This regulation aims to balance tourism and community well-being.

8. Indonesia: Bali’s Tourist Tax

Bali has introduced a $10 tourist tax to promote sustainable tourism. Visitors receive a guidebook on cultural etiquette.

9. Japan: Okinawa’s Visitor Limitations

• Okinawa has capped visitors to protect natural habitats and the endangered Iriomote cat.
• Ginzan Onsen: Restrictions on day-tripper numbers during peak hours will preserve the serene environment.
• Kyoto: An increased accommodation tax will help manage tourism impacts and fund infrastructure development.

10. Spain: Regulations in Mallorca and Barcelona

• Barcelona: Barcelona has raised the tourist tax and restricted cruise ships to manage over-tourism.
• Seville: Plans to charge entry fees for Plaza de España aim to fund conservation efforts.
• Mallorca: Anti-tourism protests highlight housing crises, prompting authorities to consider new policies.

11. France: Mont Blanc Visitor Quotas

Mont Blanc enforces daily quotas for hikers to protect its fragile environment. Climbers must pre-book overnight accommodations.

12. Bhutan: High Tourist Fees

Bhutan charges a $65 daily Sustainable Development Fee for foreign visitors. This fee helps control tourist numbers.

13. French Polynesia: Annual Tourist Caps

French Polynesia is proposing annual caps on tourist numbers to protect delicate ecosystems.

14. Peru: Strict Entry Rules and Time Slots

Machu Picchu has implemented ticketing systems and mandatory tour guides to preserve the ancient site.

15. United Kingdom: Tourist Taxes and Holiday Home Restrictions

• Cornwall: Cornwall proposes mandatory registration of holiday lets to preserve community life.
• Wales: A suggested visitor levy would generate funds for tourism infrastructure.
• Edinburgh: Edinburgh has introduced a tourist tax on accommodation to manage tourism impacts.

16. Croatia: Tourist Behavior Rules and Entry Fees

Dubrovnik’s “Respect the City” campaign includes entry fees and behavior restrictions.

17. Hawaii: Environmental Tourist Fee

O’ahu is proposing a tourist fee to support environmental initiatives.

18. South Korea: Curfew in Some Areas

Seoul plans a curfew for Bukchon Hanok Village to balance local life with tourism.

19. Portugal: Push Against Overtourism

Residents in Sintra demand measures to address excessive tourist numbers and traffic congestion.

20. Czechia: Crackdown on Stag Parties

Prague is proposing to ban pub crawls and inappropriate costumes to maintain city decorum.

Final Words

The rising concern over overtourism has led destinations worldwide to adopt innovative measures. While these restrictions may alter travel experiences, they are essential for preserving the unique character and sustainability of these locations.