In recent years, Europe has experienced a growing phenomenon known as tourismophobia, a negative reaction by local communities to over-tourism.

Iconic cities such as Barcelona, ​​Venice and Amsterdam, which for decades have been magnets for tourists from around the world, now face the challenge of managing the impact of over-tourism. Protests, bans, fees and fines have become tools to control the flow of visitors and protect the well-being of local residents.

The most recent signs of the “anti-tourism” backlash are literal: a growing spread of messages in the form of graffiti, signs and posters by locals at popular tourist spots asking visitors to “go home,” and calling for “No tourists, no hipsters” and “Burn Airbnb,” forcing local officials to address the problem.

In many places, residents have resorted to putting up fake “closed” signs in an attempt to deter tourists from the most popular spots. They are also reducing the arrival of cruise ships and adding bans and fines to control visitor behavior at beaches, museums, monuments and picturesque towns.

Mass tourism has brought with it a series of problems that have fueled this trend - called “tourismophobia” - such as:

• Infrastructure Overload: The exponential increase in visitors has overwhelmed the capacity of urban infrastructure, from public transportation to sanitation services.
• Rising Cost of Living: Demand for tourist accommodation has driven up rental prices, making it difficult for residents to find affordable housing.
• Environmental Impact: The massive influx of tourists has led to an increase in litter and the deterioration of natural and heritage areas.

To address these problems, several European countries have implemented measures to manage and limit tourism.

SPAIN:

Barcelona has been a protests epicentre against mass tourism. Authorities have imposed restrictions on the construction of new hotels and regulated holiday rental platforms such as Airbnb. Fines have also been increased for illegal accommodation and inappropriate behaviour by tourists. In Ibiza and Mallorca, fines for drinking in the street have risen to 1,500 euros, vacationers in some of the most popular resorts are banned from buying alcohol between 9.30pm and 8am and party boats will be prevented from operating within a nautical mile of certain areas. Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the islands, became the first in Spain to ban Airbnb as part of the efforts to contain tourism, and similar measures have been applied in other European locations.

ITALY:

Venice has introduced an entry fee for one day tourists, aimed at reducing visitors number and generating income for the upkeep of the city. Limits have also been put in place on the number of large cruise ships allowed in the Venetian lagoon to protect the delicate ecosystem. Florence has banned short-term rentals in the city's historic centre via platforms such as Airbnb and introduced a €275 fine for loitering at selfie spots.

GREECE:

The island of Santorini has capped the number of cruise ships allowed in and the Acropolis in Athens will limit the number of visitors per day.

NETHERLANDS:

Amsterdam has launched campaigns to discourage certain tourist behaviour and banned new souvenir shops and ice cream parlours in the historic centre. The city has also raised tourist fees and implemented fines for disruptive behaviour.

CROATIA:

Dubrovnik, the famous city, famous for being the setting for the "Game of Thrones" series, has limited the number of cruise ships allowed per day and introduced a crowd management system to protect its cultural heritage.

PORTUGAL:

It imposed fines of between 200 and 36,000 euros for antisocial behaviour such as playing loud music or camping outside campsites.

SCOTLAND:

Cruise ships will have to pay a new tax to deal with the “double challenge” of emissions and overtourism.

All the measures adopted by these cities seek to find a balance between the economic benefits of tourism and the quality of residents life. While tourism is a crucial source of income and employment, its mismanagement can lead to the cities social and cultural erosion.

Therefore, tourismophobia is a clear indication of the need to re-evaluate and redefine our tourism practices. Finding a balance between economic development and preserving the quality of life of local residents is essential to ensure a sustainable future for tourism.

By adopting proactive and sustainable measures, cities can continue to be attractive and vibrant destinations without sacrificing their identity and well-being.