How the Decline of Tourism Impacted the Summer Season
After a summer of protests in some of Europe’s most popular travel destinations, the future of summer holidays in 2025 and beyond is shaping up to be different. The issue of overtourism is a pressing concern, as seen in Rovaniemi, Lapland, where a recent tourism protest highlighted the impact of mass tourism even in winter destinations.
Jeremy Sampson, CEO of The Travel Foundation, emphasizes the need for a more balanced and sustainable approach to tourism. He believes that the root cause of overtourism lies in bad planning and calls for a more regulated and aligned ecosystem in destinations to address this issue.
Cities like Copenhagen are implementing innovative strategies to manage tourism better and promote sustainability. Initiatives like CopenPay, which rewards sustainable behaviors with free entry to cultural sites, are gaining traction and inspiring other destinations worldwide.
The trend of implementing tourism taxes is also on the rise, with Venice and other cities trialing such measures to control visitor numbers. Cruise destinations like Santorini are considering implementing fees to deter large cruise liners and address the negative impacts of mass tourism.
In response to the changing landscape of travel, travelers should expect price increases and a shift towards more regulated accommodation options. Short-term rentals are facing restrictions in cities like New York, Barcelona, and Edinburgh, leading to a potential rise in hotel stays.
As destinations evolve to address overtourism, travelers are encouraged to explore lesser-visited locations and support destinations that are in need of tourism benefits. Intrepid’s “Not Hot” List highlights underrated destinations like Guyana and Oslo, offering travelers new and exciting alternatives to popular hotspots.
While it may take time for travelers to shift away from iconic destinations, embracing sustainable and thoughtful travel practices can help address the challenges of overtourism and support local communities. Researching and choosing destinations that align with values and promote responsible tourism can contribute to a more positive travel experience for both visitors and locals alike.
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Laura Johnson is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied Environmental Science, Policy, and Management with a concentration in sustainable agriculture. Her research focuses on climate-smart agriculture and resilience strategies for farming communities. Laura works as a sustainability strategist, helping farms in the US transition to practices that are both environmentally sustainable and economically viable.