Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
A recent study by Which? Travel casts light on the growing issue of overtourism in Europe. Fueled by rising worries about congestion, increased demonstrations, and growing discontent among local populations, the report scrutinized recent tourism statistics from the European Commission to identify locations that travelers might consider avoiding this summer. This research aims to help tourists make responsible travel choices.
Overtourism in Europe: Istria Under Pressure
Croatia’s “Hidden Gem” Overwhelmed
Croatia’s scenic Istrian peninsula has surfaced as one of the most severely impacted regions. Despite attempts to promote the area, data indicates that Istria is experiencing significant strain. Although often touted as Croatia’s “best kept secret”, the region currently grapples with approximately 133,467 tourists per 1,000 inhabitants, translating to a ratio of roughly 133 tourists for every resident.
Istria: A Geographical Overview
Istria, the Adriatic Sea’s largest peninsula, is situated between the Gulf of Trieste and the Kvarner Gulf. Predominantly Croatian (around 90%), the region also includes territories belonging to Italy and Slovenia. Noteworthy towns include the historical city of Pula and the coastal havens of Rovinj, Poreč, and Labin.
LIGE Mens Smart Watch with Wireless Calls, Wireless, Monitor, Step Counter, Stopwatch, Multi-Sport Mode, ...
🎉 Exclusive deal [$22.39]
Mens Sporty Hooded Sweatshirt - Navy Blue with Copper Bow Accents, Regular Fit, Machine Washable ...
🎉 Exclusive deal [$0.77]
Mens Lightweight Breathable Basketball Running Gym Shoes - Stability Support, EVA Cushioned Sole, Vi...
🎉 Exclusive deal [$0.79]
The Downsides of Overtourism
Rising Concerns in Croatia
Experts increasingly caution that the disadvantages of overtourism—inflated property costs, burdened infrastructure, and problematic tourist conduct—are beginning to outweigh the financial benefits to a vital Croatian industry. According to the Ministry of Tourism, revenue from international visitors nearly reached €15 billion (£12.8 billion) in 2024, reflecting a 2.7% increase from the preceding year.
Dubrovnik’s Struggles
Many sought-after destinations now struggle to preserve the quality of life for locals amid escalating visitor volumes. Dubrovnik, located in southern Croatia, faces significant challenges, with its historic center increasingly impacted by the constant arrival of tourists.
Dubrovnik’s Tourism Surge
- Last year, the city, known for its association with Game of Thrones, experienced a notable surge in tourism.
- Recorded 4.56 million overnight stays and 1.4 million tourist arrivals.
- Became the most frequented destination in Croatia for overnight stays, second only to Zagreb in overall arrivals.
Other Regions Facing Overtourism
Beyond Croatia: Greek Islands and the Canaries
Croatia is not the only area contending with overtourism. The Which? report also pinpointed Zakynthos (Zante) in Greece and Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands as densely populated locales. The Greek island had the highest ratio of visitors to residents, at 150 to 1.
Local Perspectives
“It’s becoming harder for residents to live comfortably here year-round,” a resident from the island’s center stated.
Spain’s Strained Resources
In Spain, Fuerteventura exhibits a visitor-to-resident ratio of 120 to 1, with the island increasingly voicing its concerns about overtourism. Paris also ranked high for tourist density, with an impressive 418,280 visitors per square kilometer, eclipsing Athens (88,535) and Copenhagen (63,944).