Published on November 13, 2025
Denmark has thrown its hat into the ring alongside Italy, Hungary, Greece, the Czech Republic, Spain, and the Netherlands in a concerted effort to combat overtourism and promote sustainable growth. As cities across Europe grapple with the mounting pressures of mass tourism, the consequences have become increasingly visible: overcrowding, soaring housing costs, environmental degradation, and stretched local infrastructure. In light of these challenges, nations are instituting a variety of strategies aimed at managing the influx of visitors, ensuring that tourism can thrive without undermining the quality of life for residents or eroding cultural heritage.
Overtourism has emerged as a formidable challenge for many of Europe’s most cherished travel destinations. From Amsterdam’s picturesque canals to the ancient streets of Rome, millions flock to these iconic locales annually, sparking significant economic benefits while simultaneously threatening to upend local communities, burden infrastructure, and compromise cultural legacies. In response, countries—including Denmark, Italy, Hungary, Greece, the Czech Republic, Spain, and the Netherlands—are banding together to tackle these issues. Their mission is clear: strike a balance between attracting visitors and preserving the essence of local life. This article delves into the various initiatives and challenges these nations face as they work to mitigate the effects of overtourism, aiming for long-term sustainability.
The Growing Crisis of Overtourism Across Europe
Europe has long been a magnet for global travelers, with cities like Barcelona, Venice, Paris, and Amsterdam collectively welcoming millions each year. While this flood of tourism has undoubtedly boosted local economies, it comes at a considerable cost. In many neighborhoods, residents are increasingly frustrated by overcrowded streets, skyrocketing housing prices, and a diminished quality of life. The rapid proliferation of short-term rentals, notably those listed on platforms like Airbnb, has exacerbated a housing crisis, forcing locals out of their own communities.
In response, European governments are rolling out a range of policies aimed at regulating tourism. From capping visitor numbers to implementing higher tourism taxes, these measures reflect a growing recognition of the need to reduce the environmental and social impacts of mass tourism.
Denmark’s Progressive Approach to Sustainable Tourism
Denmark, often lauded for its commitment to environmental sustainability, has officially joined the ranks of nations addressing overtourism. The capital city, Copenhagen, is a beloved destination for millions, yet its modest population of around 600,000 residents is increasingly feeling the strain of mass tourism. In 2023 alone, the city logged over 12 million international overnight stays, prompting officials to prioritize a tourism strategy that is beneficial for both visitors and residents.
In lieu of harsh punitive measures, Copenhagen has opted for a more constructive strategy, launching initiatives like Copenpay. This innovative program, which began as a pilot in 2024, incentivizes environmentally responsible behavior from tourists—encouraging activities such as litter collection, cycling, and volunteering in parks. As a reward, participants can earn treats like free ice cream or discounted museum entries, promoting both eco-friendliness and local engagement while bolstering the visitor economy.
City officials are also considering implementing visitor limits at popular attractions and closely monitoring the environmental impact of tourism-related activities. This proactive approach aligns with Denmark’s sustainability ethos, aiming to retain the city’s unique charm while safeguarding residents’ quality of life.
Italy and Spain: Striking a Balance between Tourism and Local Life
Italy and Spain, two of the world’s most popular tourist hotspots, find themselves at the forefront of the battle against overtourism. Historic cities, such as Rome, Venice, and Florence in Italy, as well as Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville in Spain, have experienced a surge in visitors, leading to significant challenges in maintaining a harmonious urban environment.
Italy has taken substantial steps to mitigate the impacts of overtourism, particularly in Venice, a city uniquely vulnerable due to its delicate ecosystem. In 2025, Venice introduced a controversial tourism tax, requiring visitors to pay an entry fee during peak seasons. The fee fluctuates throughout the year, with prices at their highest during the busiest months. This initiative aims not only to limit visitor numbers but also to generate revenue for preserving the city’s rich heritage and infrastructure.
In Spain, Barcelona has become a nexus of anti-tourism sentiment. The Catalan government has pledged to phase out all short-term rentals, including those on Airbnb, by 2028. Frustrated residents have voiced their concerns over overcrowded streets and escalating rental costs, demanding stricter regulations. The city has acted, instituting regulations on short-term rentals, further enforced through increased police inspections of unauthorized properties. Meanwhile, additional tourist taxes have been enacted in regions like Catalonia and the Balearic Islands to fund local heritage preservation and infrastructure improvements.
Hungary, Greece, and the Czech Republic: Unique Challenges and Responses
Hungary, Greece, and the Czech Republic face their own distinct challenges as overtourism continues to burgeon. Budapest, famed for its historic architecture and vibrant nightlife, has seen an influx of tourists, particularly from neighboring regions. Similar to its counterparts, Budapest is grappling with overcrowded streets and rising pollution.
In response, Budapest has instituted a short-term rental ban in certain districts, notably in the heavily impacted District VI. This ban, set to take effect in 2026, aims to recalibrate the housing market and reduce the burden on local communities. The hope is that limiting tourist apartments will stabilize rental prices and alleviate pressures on residents.
Greece, particularly Athens, is also feeling the strain of overtourism. The government has enacted measures to counter the adverse effects of tourism, including a temporary ban on new short-term rental licenses in the city center. Additionally, a climate resilience tax—which varies based on hotel star ratings—aims to encourage off-peak travel and mitigate overcrowding during peak seasons.
Meanwhile, Prague has welcomed nearly 8.1 million visitors in 2024, a 9% increase from the previous year, placing a heavy load on its infrastructure. In a bid to protect its UNESCO-listed historic center, the city plans to restrict the availability of short-term tourist accommodations in central areas.
The Netherlands: Pioneering Anti-Tourism Strategies
In the Netherlands, particularly in Amsterdam, innovative measures to address overtourism have long been in place. The city has enacted over 75 regulations, targeting everything from short-term rentals to restrictions on large tour buses. In 2024, Amsterdam implemented a significant tourist tax, charging visitors €12.50 per night, one of the highest rates across Europe.
One notable initiative has been the launch of a “stay away” campaign to deter specific types of tourism—especially raucous party trips—targeted at certain demographics. This campaign aims to redirect these visitors to more appropriate locales, promoting a more respectful and sustainable tourism experience. Additionally, Amsterdam has placed restrictions on large cruise ships, notably increasing taxes on day passengers and limiting arrivals.
The Road Ahead: A Sustainable Tourism Future
As Denmark, Italy, Hungary, Greece, the Czech Republic, Spain, and the Netherlands vigorously address the challenges of overtourism, a clear solution emerges: sustainable tourism must be the linchpin. These countries are trialing diverse measures designed to mitigate the adverse effects of mass tourism while simultaneously enjoying its economic benefits. Through various strategies—be it taxes, rental regulations, or incentive programs—these nations exemplify how to safeguard local communities and heritage while welcoming weary travelers.
However, there is no universal remedy; each city must deftly navigate its unique circumstances, balancing local needs, economic realities, and the desires of both residents and tourists. The overarching objective is to cultivate a tourism model that is mutually beneficial for everyone involved—tourists, locals, and the environment alike.
As cities worldwide begin to adopt similar strategies, there is hope that tourism can remain a catalyst for economic vitality, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship, all while preserving the quality of life for residents.
In conclusion, Denmark, alongside Italy, Hungary, Greece, the Czech Republic, Spain, and the Netherlands, is stepping into a crucial role in the fight against overtourism. Their concerted efforts reflect a broader recognition of the need to balance the economic advantages of tourism with the growing pressures on housing, infrastructure, and local communities. Through diverse strategies, these nations aim to curate experiences that safeguard the cultural and environmental integrity of their most cherished destinations.
Ultimately, overtourism is not an insurmountable challenge. By collaborating, learning from one another, and embracing innovative solutions, Europe can usher in a new era of sustainable tourism—one that honors the needs of both its residents and the travelers who seek to explore its wonders.
