Fodor’s has published its NO List 2025 highlighting 15 destinations to reconsider due to overwhelming popularity and the negative effects of overtourism, including Bali, Koh Samui, and various European cities.
The initiative focuses on the need for sustainable travel practices, as certain hotspots see deteriorating local conditions due to excessive tourist traffic, prompting protests and community pushback.
Notable concerns include Venice’s attempt to manage day tourist influx with a €5 charge and issues like waste management in Koh Samui, exacerbated by increasing visitor numbers.
The list aims not to promote travel boycotts but to raise awareness about the unsustainable pressures on landscapes and local communities caused by tourism, urging travellers to reconsider their choices.
Fodor’s shares: A key factor in these challenges is often the tendency of governments to prioritize visitor experiences over the well-being of local residents. This can lead to irreversible changes in these destinations, making them prohibitively expensive, homogenized, or even destroyed. And let’s face it: visiting such places rarely results in happy travellers. Navigating cities packed with tourists is frustrating; sightseeing in towns where locals resent your presence is upsetting; and wandering through nature littered with trash is depressing. The list of fifteen destinations is:
- Agrigento, Sicily, Italy: Agrigento, known for its stunning archaeological sites, especially the Valley of the Temples, is facing a severe water crisis exacerbated by climate change and ongoing drought. Set to be the Italian Capital of Culture in 2025, increasing tourism poses a threat to its cultural heritage and local residents who struggle with water shortages.
- Bali, Indonesia: Famous for its lush landscapes and vibrant culture, Bali is now experiencing overwhelming tourist crowds that threaten its environment and local culture. Increased development has led to issues like waste management and water shortages, leading to tensions between residents and tourists.
- Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona’s iconic architecture and culture have drawnms of tourists but at the expense of local quality of life. Residents have protested against mass tourism, feeling that it disrupts their daily lives, leading to calls for stricter tourism regulations.
- British Virgin Islands: The emphasis on cruise tourism has not translated into substantial economic benefits for local residents, leading to frustration over sustainability and a lack of long-term tourism planning that prioritizes community needs.
- Canary Islands, Spain: The Canaries are dealing with the pressures of mass tourism, which strains local resources and ecosystems. Persistent issues related to water supply and waste management have raised environmental concerns among residents and conservationists alike.
- Kerala, India: Kerala faces a crisis due to unregulated tourism that exacerbates natural disasters like landslides. While the state attractsms for its beauty, the negative environmental impact raises urgent concerns about tourism management.
- Koh Samui, Thailand: Once a tranquil tropical island, Koh Samui is now burdened by tourism, which strains its resources and impacts its natural beauty. The popularity of the island, especially following media portrayals, raises concerns about environmental sustainability and waste management.
- Kyoto, Japan: This cultural hub suffers from overtourism that threatens its heritage sites and traditional practices. Local efforts to manage visitor numbers reflect concerns over how to preserve Kyoto’s identity amidst skyrocketing demand.
- Lisbon, Portugal: Lisbon’s growing popularity has led to rising living costs and a strain on local infrastructure. The influx of tourists disrupts local neighborhoods, prompting conversations about the need for sustainable tourism solutions.
- Mallorca, Spain: This Balearic island, known for its beaches and nightlife, faces significant challenges from unregulated tourist developments that impact local communities and natural resources, prompting discussions about sustainable tourism practices.
- Mount Everest, Nepal: The majestic Everest attracts numerous trekkers annually, but overcrowding and inadequate waste management have turned the region into a hazardous area. Increasingly, the local ecosystems are suffering, prompting calls for responsible trekking practices to preserve this iconic mountain.
- Oaxaca, Mexico: Oaxaca is renowned for its vibrant culture and traditions but struggles with the impacts of increased tourism that can dilute its local identity. Sustainable tourism efforts are necessary to respect its heritage and community.
- Scotland’s North Coast 500: This scenic route has become a popular tourist attraction, but it brings challenges of congestion and ecological strain. Local residents are advocating for sustainable travel practices to maintain the region’s natural beauty.
- Tokyo, Japan: Tokyo faces challenges from its massive tourist influx, which affects public resources and daily life for residents. The city is navigating tourism management strategies to balance visitor experiences with local needs.
- Venice, Italy: Venice struggles with overtourism, leading to infrastructure strain and environmental degradation. With residents and authorities advocating for limits on visitor numbers, the city faces the dual challenge of maintaining its charm while ensuring sustainability.
