Rolling suitcases echo on cobblestone streets, tourists crowd for the perfect selfie, and gelato stands seem to dot every corner. Europe may be known as the world’s museum, but its soaring visitor numbers have turned it into a focal point for growing overtourism concerns.
According to the U.N.’s World Tourism Barometer, the continent saw 747 million international arrivals last year—more than any other region globally—with Southern and Western Europe drawing over 70% of them.
As tourism surges, its impact is being felt on housing markets, water resources, and popular landmarks featured across social media. In response, both protests and policy efforts to curb overtourism have been gaining momentum.
Here’s a closer look at how some of Europe’s top destinations are confronting the challenge.
