Spain, Portugal Arm-In-Arm With France, Italy, Greece, and Croatia Are Setting New Explosive Travel Bans and Measures Looming with Strict Measures in a Vendetta Against Overtourism – Travel And Tour World

In an effort to manage the rising concerns of overtourism and preserve cultural heritage sites, European countries have begun to implement stricter travel regulations across their most popular destinations. These new measures, including fines, bans, and restrictions, aim to tackle overcrowding, protect historical sites, and promote more responsible tourism. As destinations become more conscious of their environmental and cultural sustainability, tourists may face new challenges, including limited access to attractions, fines for certain behaviors, and increased costs for accommodations and services. This shift in travel policies has far-reaching implications not just for visitors but for the travel industry as well, particularly in terms of how it will shape the future of tourism in Europe.

Spain: Stricter Rules and Fines to Curb Overcrowding

Spain has recently introduced a series of regulations to combat overtourism, especially in its bustling cities and islands. With popular destinations like Barcelona and the Balearic Islands seeing huge numbers of tourists, the Spanish authorities are taking steps to reduce the impact of mass tourism.

One of the key measures includes smoking bans on beaches in cities such as Barcelona, as well as the Balearic Islands. The aim is to keep these beautiful coastal areas clean and reduce littering, with penalties of up to €2,000 for violators. In addition, public urination is strictly prohibited, with fines of up to €750 for those caught committing the offense in public spaces or even in the sea.

The new rules also prohibit walking in swimwear away from designated beach areas in cities like Malaga and Barcelona, with fines imposed for those who disregard this regulation. Another somewhat surprising restriction is on driving in flip-flops, which is not explicitly illegal but could lead to a fine of €200 if deemed unsafe by authorities.

Further measures in popular party destinations like Mallorca and Ibiza aim to curb the party culture that has contributed to over-tourism in the past. These destinations have banned pub crawls and party boats, with hefty fines of up to €3,000for organizers and participants. This is part of a broader initiative to preserve the local environment and ensure a higher quality of life for residents by limiting disruptive tourism activities.

For travelers, these new rules will require a more mindful approach when visiting Spain. Tourists planning beach holidays will need to be more conscious of the local regulations surrounding smoking, behavior on the beaches, and general public conduct. For the travel industry, the introduction of such fines and restrictions could mean higher compliance costs for tour operators and hotels, but it may also lead to more sustainable tourism, attracting travelers who respect local customs and regulations.

France: Nationwide Smoking Ban to Curb Public Health Issues

In France, the government has taken a bold step in tackling public health issues by introducing a nationwide outdoor smoking ban starting July 1, 2025. This ban will extend to popular outdoor tourist spots such as beaches, parks, and areas near schools. Violators of this ban will face fines of €114.

This initiative is part of the National Anti-Tobacco Programme in France, which aims to create a tobacco-free generation by 2032. For tourists, this means that smoking in public spaces will be prohibited in a number of the country’s most visited areas, including major cultural landmarks and open-air attractions. Tourists who are used to smoking while enjoying outdoor cafes or relaxing in public spaces will need to adjust to these new regulations.

The impact on the tourism industry could be significant. Tour operators may have to update their marketing materials and ensure that clients are aware of the new regulations. While the goal is to improve public health, it could also alter the way certain international visitors view France, particularly smokers. On the other hand, this ban could encourage more family-friendly tourism, appealing to those who are looking for healthier destinations.

Italy: Venice’s New Day-Trip Fee to Control Overcrowding

Italy’s famous city of Venice has introduced a controversial entry fee for day-trippers, ranging from €5 to €10, depending on when the booking is made. This new regulation aims to control the overwhelming influx of tourists to the historic city, which has long struggled with the challenges of overcrowding.

Tourists who fail to pay the fee could face fines of up to €300. Additionally, Venice has cracked down on noisy tourists, introducing restrictions on the use of loudspeakers, the size of tour groups, and swimming in the city’s canals. These measures aim to preserve Venice’s delicate infrastructure, prevent further damage to its historic sites, and maintain a more peaceful environment for both locals and visitors.

For the travel industry, the entry fee could lead to higher operational costs for tour operators and companies offering services in Venice. On the other hand, it might deter mass tourism and attract those willing to pay for a more serene and respectful travel experience. It could also lead to an increase in off-season tourism, as tourists seek to avoid peak times when the fees are highest.

Portugal: New Tourist Tax to Support Local Infrastructure

Portugal, known for its picturesque cities and stunning coastal areas, has introduced a tourist tax to help support local infrastructure. Cities such as Lisbon, Madeira, and Faro have implemented a €2 per person per night tax, while the Azores followed suit in January 2025.

This new fee, aimed at sustainable tourism, will apply to all visitors staying overnight in these areas. The funds collected will be reinvested in local development, public services, and preservation efforts to ensure that the country can handle the demands of increasing tourist numbers while maintaining the quality of life for residents.

For travelers, this tax is an added expense, though it is relatively modest. However, for the tourism industry, the implementation of such taxes could lead to shifts in travel behavior. While it may discourage budget travelers from staying in some of the country’s top destinations, it may also attract tourists who are more committed to supporting sustainable tourism practices.

Netherlands: Amsterdam Raises Tourist Tax to Tackle Overtourism

Amsterdam has also raised its tourist tax, increasing the rate from 7% to 12.5% on accommodation costs. This change comes as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to combat overcrowding and preserve the quality of life for locals. Amsterdam, a perennial favorite for travelers, has long been grappling with the challenges of overtourism, and this move reflects the city’s determination to manage the issue.

In addition to the tax hike, Amsterdam has imposed a ban on cruise ships entering the city’s main ports to prevent further congestion. This measure aims to reduce the environmental impact of large ships, which have been a significant source of pollution and overcrowding in the city.

For travelers, the increase in the tourist tax may make Amsterdam slightly more expensive to visit, especially for those staying in hotels or using short-term rental services. However, the city’s iconic status as a travel destination means that these new costs are unlikely to significantly deter tourism in the short term. For the travel industry, these new measures will likely push companies to adapt by offering alternative tours and experiences that focus on less crowded and more sustainable aspects of the city.

Greece: Acropolis Visitor Limits and Dress Code

Greece, known for its rich history and cultural landmarks, has introduced new regulations to protect its most famous archaeological site, the Acropolis in Athens. The country has imposed a limit of 20,000 visitors per day to the Acropolis, with visitors now required to pre-book their slots in advance.

Additionally, the Greek authorities have introduced a ban on wearing high heels at historical sites like the Acropolis. The ban aims to prevent damage to these ancient structures, with fines of up to €900 for those caught in violation.

For tourists, these changes may impact how they plan their visit to Athens, as they will need to plan ahead to secure entry tickets to the Acropolis. The introduction of such regulations is likely to make the site more manageable for visitors, but it could also deter spontaneous visits. For the tourism industry, these new measures could lead to an increased demand for pre-booked tours and tickets, which may lead to higher prices during peak seasons.

Croatia: Dubrovnik’s New Campaign for Respectful Tourism

Dubrovnik, one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations, has launched the ‘Respect the City’ campaign. This initiative enforces new rules to manage tourism behavior and preserve the integrity of the city’s historical sites. The campaign includes bans on sleeping in public areas, urinating in public, climbing monuments, and public drunkenness. These offenses are subject to high fines and even potential jail sentences.

This initiative aims to prevent disruptive behavior by tourists and ensure that Dubrovnik remains a culturally respectful and attractive destination. The tourism industry in Dubrovnik is likely to see a shift toward more responsible and controlled travel, as these new regulations create a more welcoming environment for both locals and visitors.

The Global Impact of Stricter Travel Regulations

As European countries implement stricter travel regulations to combat overtourism and preserve their cultural and natural heritage, these measures are expected to have a significant impact on global tourism trends. The rising cost of travel, the introduction of new taxes and fines, and the imposition of restrictions on certain activities could change the way tourists plan their trips to popular destinations.

These changes could lead to a rise in more sustainable tourism practices, with travelers opting for less crowded destinations or choosing to visit during the off-season. Additionally, as tourists face more stringent rules, the travel industry may have to adjust by offering more tailored, responsible travel experiences that align with these new regulations.

For global travelers, the new rules may mean additional planning, increased costs, and the need to adapt to unfamiliar customs. However, these measures could also lead to a more enjoyable and sustainable travel experience, as European countries take steps to protect their cultural and natural heritage for future generations.

(Source: ToI)