New taxes, tighter visitor caps, and rising restrictions—here’s how Europe’s hotspots are responding to the tourist crush and how it could shape your travel plans.
As Europe’s busiest travel season nears, the region is once again bracing for the tourist crush. This annual phenomenon—running from May to September—brings a deluge of travellers into European cities, coastlines, and bucket-list landmarks.
For many destinations straining under the weight of their own popularity, this is no longer just a seasonal challenge—it’s a structural one. This has prompted governments across the region to roll out relief measures aimed at easing the strain on local communities without undercutting the tourism industry, one of the region’s most vital economic engines.
New tourist taxes, visitor caps, cruise ship limits, and short-term rental restrictions are no longer isolated experiments or pilot programs—they’re policy.
But these measures aren’t about keeping tourists away. Europe still welcomes visitors—and their spending—year-round. What’s changing is how the influx is managed.
If you're planning to be part of the summer surge, take note: the rules are changing—fast. Plan accordingly.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is taking a sustainable step forward as it welcomes its 750th anniversary. Alongside the year-long celebrations planned throughout the city, they are implementing one of Europe’s most comprehensive environmental agendas. A 12.5% tourist tax on accommodations, bans on oversized buses, and a €14.50 charge per cruise passenger are just the beginning.
January saw the introduction of zero-emission zones that prohibit polluting scooters and mopeds, while April marked a significant shift for canal tours, now required to run on emission-free boats. Although these changes may increase costs for some visitors, Amsterdam is sending a clear message: it prioritises cultural preservation and urban livability over unchecked growth.
Venice, Italy
In 2024, Venice introduced an access fee for day-trippers on 29 specific days, primarily weekends and public holidays. In 2025, the program was expanded to 54 days. Visitors who book at least four days in advance are charged €5, while those booking closer to their visit pay €10. The initiative aims to better manage visitor flow during peak periods, though critics question its effectiveness, noting it has done little to deter crowds. Still, the city has generated an additional €2.2 million in revenue, which is being reinvested into cultural preservation and tourism management.
Venice is also tightening regulations on short-term rentals, limiting them to 120 days per year and imposing strict operational rules. These include designated rubbish bag use and mandatory in-person guest check-ins—part of the city’s broader effort to address the challenges of overtourism, a longstanding concern for residents.
Pompeii, Italy
Pompeii welcomed a staggering 4 million visitors in 2024. In response, authorities have introduced a strict daily cap of 20,000 visitors to help preserve the ancient Roman city, famously frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
During peak seasons, a split entry system—15,000 visitors in the morning and 5,000 in the afternoon—helps manage foot traffic more evenly. A new shuttle program also directs tourists to lesser-known archaeological sites in the region, easing the burden on Pompeii itself while encouraging exploration beyond its iconic ruins.
Mykonos and Santorini, Greece
The Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini now charge cruise visitors €20 per person during the peak summer season. Mykonos alone welcomed 1.29 million cruise tourists in 2024—a massive figure for an island of just 10,000 residents—placing growing pressure on local infrastructure and resources.
Nationally, Greece has introduced a Climate Resilience Tax ranging from €1.50 to €15 per night, depending on hotel classification and season. The measure is designed to support climate adaptation initiatives while encouraging travel outside the high season. In Athens, a 2025 moratorium on new short-term rental licences in key districts reflects mounting efforts to address housing shortages and reduce urban congestion.
Barcelona and Majorca, Spain
Palma de Mallorca is introducing caps on cruise ship arrivals and hotel accommodations in an effort to attract higher-spending, lower-impact tourists.
Barcelona has gone even further, enacting bold policies to reshape its tourism model. No new hotels or short-term rental permits will be issued in the city’s most visited neighbourhoods this year, and a proposed €7-per-night tourist tax is earmarked for housing and infrastructure improvements. A €400 million strategic fund will help redirect tourism toward cultural events, business conferences, and more sustainable, high-value experiences. Following years of resident protests, the city is finally seeing a shift in how it manages the pressures of overtourism.
Lisbon and Porto, Portugal
Lisbon—often cited as the poster child for a tourism-driven housing crisis—has doubled its overnight tax to €4 as of January 2025. Porto has followed suit, and nine municipalities in the Azores and Madeira have introduced similar tourism levies.
Portugal is also moving to tighten short-term rental regulations and curb the effects of golden visa schemes, which many link to accelerating gentrification. Together, these measures reflect a cautious but deliberate effort to regain control over a tourism sector that, in some places, has outgrown the capacity of local communities.
United Kingdom
The UK has introduced one of the most significant shifts in tourism policy across Europe with the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). As of January 2025, non-European visitors must obtain a £10 digital pass before entering the country. While framed as part of a broader border modernisation effort, the ETA also operates as a de facto tourist tax.
In Scotland, the newly passed Visitor Levy Act—and similar legislation proposed in Wales—signals a growing trend toward locally managed tourism policy. Together, these changes reflect a broader move toward regionally controlled funding and regulation of the visitor economy.
What This Means for Travellers in 2025
Tourism is a double-edged sword, bringing both benefits and burdens to local communities. Travel smarter and more consciously to maximise the experience and minimize your footprint. Here’s how:
- Budget for Taxes and Fees: Accommodation, cruise, and entry fees are on the rise. Stay informed about new policies and build these costs into your travel budget to avoid unexpected surprises.
- Book Early, Especially for Peak Season: With visitor caps and time-specific tickets becoming more common (think Pompeii, the Acropolis, and the Louvre), spontaneity is just not practical during peak season.
- Travel Off-Season: Many destinations are offering incentives to visit during the off-season, including reduced rates. Enjoy fewer crowds, better value, and a more relaxed experience.
- Respect Local Laws and Limits: Cities are tightening regulations on short-term rentals, transportation, and noise. Be sure to check the local rules and respect limits to avoid fines or negative impacts on the community.
- Embrace Slow and Cultural Travel: Skip the checklist and focus on what makes each place unique. Attend local festivals, dine at family-run restaurants, and explore lesser-known landmarks.
Striking a Balance: The Future of Travel Is Sustainable and Conscious
These new rules sweeping across Europe aren’t about keeping visitors away, but rather about preserving the very essence of what makes these places special. The challenge for both tourists and the tourism industry is not merely logistical—it is ethical.
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