Recent environmental data and local reports have identified several destinations where mass tourism is causing severe environmental and social strain. Here's why travellers should reconsider these locations in 2025:
Critical impact zones
Bali, Indonesia: Environmental crisis looms as waste management systems collapse under tourist pressure. Recent studies show only 48% of waste is properly managed, with 33,000 tonnes of plastic entering the environment annually. Infrastructure buckling under visitor numbers exceeding 5.3 million annually.
Barcelona, Spain: Social tensions reaching boiling point with widespread anti-tourism protests. Housing market in crisis as short-term rentals drive 68% price increase over ten years. City authorities announcing dramatic policy shifts to curb tourism impact.
Venice, Italy: Despite new visitor management systems, the historic city continues struggling with overtourism. Recent protests highlight growing local frustration with mass tourism's impact on daily life.
Mallorca, Spain: Mass demonstrations against tourism impact highlight deepening social divisions. Environmental research shows concerning pressure on island resources and infrastructure.
Mount Everest, Nepal: Environmental monitoring reveals critical waste management issues, with 1,742 pounds of waste generated daily during peak season. Approximately 30 tons of rubbish remains on the mountain, threatening local ecosystems.
High-Risk Destinations
Agrigento, Sicily: Severe water crisis intensifying, with local businesses unable to guarantee basic amenities to visitors. Climate change and infrastructure issues creating unsustainable tourism conditions.
British Virgin Islands: Marine environment under threat from mass cruise tourism, which now represents 72% of visitors. Coral reef damage and infrastructure strain reaching critical levels.
Kerala, India: Recent environmental studies link unregulated tourism development to increased landslide risks. Key tourist attraction Vembanad Lake faces severe ecological challenges.
Kyoto, Japan: Local authorities implementing emergency measures to manage overcrowding, including visitor segregation systems. Traditional cultural sites reporting unprecedented pressure.
Tokyo, Japan: Latest tourism data shows record-breaking visitor numbers (3.2 million in one month) creating accommodation crisis and pricing out locals.
Koh Samui, Thailand: Environmental assessments reveal critical waste management issues, with 200,000 tons in landfill. Infrastructure struggling to cope with current tourism levels.
Emerging Concern Areas
Canary Islands, Spain: Despite generating significant tourism revenue (US$17.7 billion in 2023), environmental scientists warn of unsustainable visitor pressure.
Lisbon, Portugal: Housing crisis deepens as research shows 60% of city centre properties converted to tourist accommodation. Cost of living spiralling for locals.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Recent restrictions on cruise ships and hotel development highlight growing concerns about tourism sustainability.
The Himalayas: Safety experts warn of increasing risks as inexperienced climbers crowd popular routes. Environmental monitoring shows concerning impact on fragile mountain ecosystems.
These findings come from various environmental studies, government reports, and tourism industry data collected throughout 2024. While these destinations remain culturally and historically significant, current visitor levels are creating unsustainable pressures on local communities and environments.
Travel industry experts can recommend considering alternative destinations or visiting during off-peak seasons when essential travel to these locations is required. This approach helps distribute tourism impact more sustainably while protecting these destinations for future generations.