Due to the ongoing expansion of global tourism, numerous renowned destinations are approaching a critical juncture. Some nations and cities are being compelled to reevaluate their open-door policies due to overtourism, environmental damage, and cultural degradation. In order to safeguard their heritage and environment, numerous regions are enacting more stringent regulations or even contemplating complete closures, from the pristine mountains of Bhutan to the vulnerable ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands.
This trend indicates a transition to a more sustainable and regulated form of tourism. This blog delves into the potential closure of 10 destinations to visitors, either partially or entirely, in order to maintain the unique qualities that defined them in the first place. Understanding these potential changes will enable you to make more responsible, informed travel decisions before it is too late, regardless of whether you are a world traveler or preparing for your next adventure.
1. Bhutan
For a long time, Bhutan has been recognized for its rigorous tourism policy, which prioritizes quality over quantity. In order to safeguard its culture and environment, the Himalayan kingdom implemented the “High Value, Low Impact” tourism model.
Travelers are required to pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee, which is presently $100 for the majority of foreign nationals. This fee is used to fund infrastructure and conservation efforts. In order to preserve the spiritual tranquility of its ancient monasteries and temples and to alleviate the burden on its unspoiled natural landscapes, Bhutan restricts the number of visitors. Bhutan has been redoubling its efforts to safeguard its distinctive ecosystem and identity in response to the rise of global tourism in recent years.
Bhutan is unlikely to embrace widespread tourism due to its limited infrastructure and a strong emphasis on gross national happiness over economic development. Bhutan could further restrict tourist access, particularly in more remote or sensitive regions, in light of the government’s firm position and the ongoing environmental pressures. This may involve the imposition of additional fees, the enforcement of more stringent regulations, or the implementation of seasonal closures in order to safeguard biodiversity and cultural sites.
2. Venice, Italy
For years, Venice, which is frequently referred to as “The Floating City,” has been experiencing an overabundance of mass tourism. The city’s infrastructure and fragile ecosystem are being strained by cruise ships and day-trippers. While millions of visitors annually visit the city to meander along its iconic canals, its population has progressively decreased.
The local government has responded by enacting a variety of restrictions, such as prohibiting the mooring of large cruise ships in the historic center and imposing an entry charge for day visitors. Tourists are required to reserve their visits and pay a charge beginning in 2024. Failure to comply will result in penalties. These measures are merely the beginning, as officials are currently considering the implementation of more stringent restrictions in order to safeguard Venice’s cultural heritage and fragile environment.
Venice’s preservation has become an imperative matter due to the increase in inundation, which has been primarily exacerbated by climate change and increased foot traffic. In order to safeguard its UNESCO World Heritage status, the city may consider implementing seasonal restrictions, severely restricting daily visitor numbers, or temporarily closing specific areas to non-residents if overcrowding persists in spite of current measures.
3. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of the most frequently visited cities in Europe, with an annual visitor count exceeding 30 million. Tourism has had a substantial positive impact on the local economy; however, it has also resulted in overtourism, increased housing costs, and frustration among residents.
Noise pollution and short-term accommodations have brought about a significant transformation in the character of neighborhoods such as Barri Gòtic and El Raval. In response, city officials have implemented substantial measures to mitigate the number of tourists. These include the restriction of illicit rentals, the capping of lodging licenses, and the promotion of less-frequented communities. The mayor has indicated a desire to transition to a sustainable tourism model that prioritizes the welfare of the community.
Protests and graffiti are being used to encourage visitors to return home, as local sentiment is becoming more critical of mass tourism. More restrictive measures may be on the horizon as the city continues to contend with the repercussions of its popularity. These may encompass additional restrictions on lodging, limits on the number of visitors permitted at significant attractions, and even zoning regulations that impede the growth of tourism in residential areas.
4. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, the renowned Incan citadel situated in the Andes, has been susceptible to overtourism for an extended period. It was initially constructed to accommodate a few hundred individuals; however, it now draws more than one million visitors annually.
The structural integrity of the site is at risk, and environmental degradation is accelerated by this influx. Peru’s government has responded by establishing a licensing system that restricts the number of daily visitors, establishing fixed entrance times, and designating specific routes to regulate foot traffic. Additionally, the Inca Trail, a well-known trekking route to Machu Picchu, requires advance booking and has a daily pilgrim limit.
Nevertheless, the site continues to be under pressure, and UNESCO has issued numerous warnings that Machu Picchu may forfeit its World Heritage status if it fails to reduce its environmental impact. Future restrictions may involve mandating guided visits exclusively, further reducing the number of visitors, or even rotating access to various zones to facilitate restoration. In order to prevent irreversible harm and encourage long-term preservation, the government may ultimately close the site for extended periods.
5. Thailand
Thailand has long been a global tourism destination, renowned for its vibrant cities, breathtaking coastlines, and rich cultural heritage. Nevertheless, the environmental consequences of mass tourism have become more apparent, particularly in areas such as Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Maya Bay. In 2018, Maya Bay, which was made famous by the film The Beach, was closed as a result of congestion and the devastation of coral reefs.
The suspension was a significant turning point in Thailand’s tourism policy, despite the fact that it has since reopened with stringent limitations. The government is currently advocating for eco-tourism and the prioritization of quality over quantity, which is motivating tourists to investigate lesser-known regions. Thailand may implement more stringent regulations on tour operators or further restrict access to popular tourist sites in response to the increasing environmental awareness and concerns regarding cultural erosion.
Additionally, there is an increasing emphasis on the implementation of higher entrance fees for marine areas and natural parks. Thailand may permanently or intermittently close or restrict access to some of its most iconic attractions if tourism continues to jeopardize ecological balance and local livelihoods.
6. Iceland
Thanks to affordable flights and social media, Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, including volcanoes, geysers, and black sand beaches, have gained immense popularity. Over the past decade, the nation has experienced a significant increase in tourism, with the number of visitors exceeding the country’s modest population.
Although tourism has stimulated the economy, it has also placed a strain on infrastructure and natural attractions, including the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. Icelandic officials are becoming more vocal about the necessity of sustainable tourism, and certain locations have been temporarily closed to facilitate the recovery of the environment. Plans to restrict access during off-seasons, charge increased entrance fees, and restrict the number of visitors in sensitive areas are already in progress.
Iceland may implement more severe measures in the future, such as mandatory guided excursions in high-impact zones or visitor quotas. Tourists may be prohibited from visiting specific regions if environmental degradation persists. Iceland is becoming a potential candidate for stricter access controls as it prioritizes the preservation of its natural attractiveness over the maximization of tourist numbers.
7. New Zealand
Although New Zealand’s unspoiled landscapes and outdoor adventure allure have attracted millions of tourists annually, this has resulted in economic benefits and environmental strain. The infrastructure of the country, particularly in remote regions, is unable to accommodate sizable populations. Both conservationists and local residents have expressed concern regarding the overcrowding in national parks, the increase in pollution, and the damage to ecosystems.
In response, New Zealand implemented measures such as the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy and restrictions on freedom camping. The “Tiaki Promise” has been promoted by the government, which encourages tourists to travel responsibly and respect local customs and nature. In ecologically vulnerable regions such as Milford Sound and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, authorities are investigating the implementation of more stringent regulations. In order to mitigate the environmental consequences of tourism, New Zealand may implement more stringent permits, daily visitor limits, and increased fees in the future.
Additionally, closures that are specific to a particular region or season are contemplated. New Zealand may implement radical measures to safeguard its environment, including the closure or restriction of access to popular sites, in accordance with its strong national identity, which is closely linked to conservation and indigenous Māori values.
8. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands are a destination that is ecologically sensitive and is home to a variety of distinct species that are not found anywhere else on Earth. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in tourism to the islands, which has contributed to concerns regarding the potential impact on endemic fauna and vulnerable ecosystems.
Ecuador has implemented stringent regulations, such as mandatory escorts, restricted permits, and limitations on the number of flights and cruise ships. In spite of these endeavors, the islands’ biodiversity remains at risk due to pollution, invasive species, and habitat disruption caused by human activity. In order to safeguard the natural integrity of certain islands, conservation organizations have encouraged the government to further restrict tourism or close them.
The Galápagos National Park Directorate closely monitors the impact of visitors and may expand no-go zones or reduce the number of annual permits. In order to discourage casual tourism, the government may implement seasonal shutdowns or substantially increase entry fees in the long term. Ecuador may further restrict tourism access in order to prioritize the preservation of this global ecological treasure if conservation needs surpass economic incentives.
9. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik has gained global recognition as a filming location for Game of Thrones, which has resulted in it becoming one of the most congested tourist destinations in Europe. The city’s medieval ramparts and narrow streets are now frequently congested with cruise ship passengers and day-trippers, resulting in a decline in the quality of life for residents and structural strain.
In response, the local government has implemented surveillance to monitor population levels and has restricted the number of cruise ships permitted to port each day. Additionally, Dubrovnik has decreased the number of sidewalk cafés and souvenir vendors in order to conserve public spaces and open up space. These actions are a component of a broader initiative to reclaim control over tourism and safeguard the city’s UNESCO World Heritage status.
The authorities may impose even stricter limits on visitor numbers, implement higher entrance fees for the ancient city, or restrict entry during prime hours or seasons if overtourism persists. Future strategies may even incorporate a registration system to facilitate access to the city’s primary attractions, similar to Venice’s approach.
10. Bali, Indonesia
Bali has long been a tourism destination that offers a plethora of attractions, including stunning beaches, a rich cultural heritage, and a verdant tropical landscape. Nevertheless, the accelerated expansion of the tourism industry has presented significant obstacles. In recent years, the island has been beset by overcrowding, traffic congestion, plastic pollution, and water shortages.
Uninformed or insensitive visitors have disrespected certain sacrosanct spaces, and temples and cultural sites are frequently overrun. The Balinese government has initiated a campaign to address misbehavior, proposed a tourist tax, and is promoting more responsible tourism practices in response. There are ongoing discussions regarding the potential restriction of specific categories of tourism, such as the prohibition of backpackers or budget travelers, who are perceived to contribute less to the economy and more to environmental strain.
Bali has also contemplated the implementation of seasonal restrictions or quotas for popular destinations such as the Gili Islands or Ubud. In the event that conditions do not improve, the island may implement more severe restrictions, such as the closure of specific sites to facilitate environmental recovery or the restriction of eco-certified operators to protected areas.
Bottom Line
Numerous destinations that are considered iconic are simultaneously blessed and burdened by tourism. Venice, Machu Picchu, and Bali may restrict access or even eliminate it altogether as the global community becomes increasingly aware of the environmental and social consequences of travel. Now is the appropriate time to visit these locations in a responsible manner. Respect the communities and ecosystems you encounter, choose sustainable options, and be cognizant of local regulations. The future of travel is contingent upon our collective endeavor to safeguard these extraordinary destinations before they are compelled to close their doors.