From firing water guns to forcing the Louvre to shut down, protests have escalated across Southern Europe in response to overtourism. Overtourism is a growing problem in popular destinations around the world, affecting the environment, cost of living, housing availability and the overall happiness of locals.

On June 15 alone, about 600 demonstrators in Barcelona, Spain, shot water pistols at shop windows, set off smoke, and carried signs protesting overtourism with sayings like “mass tourism kills the city” and “your holidays, my misery.” This protest wasn’t the only one Spain endured over the weekend, with other destinations like Ibiza, Granada, San Sebastian, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca experiencing similar demonstrations.

Over in France, a spontaneous June 16 strike at the Louvre resulted in the closure of the museum after employees refused to work in the wake of poor working conditions and endless overtourism. Louvre workers cited unmanageable crowds as a main reason for the strike, leaving thousands of visitors stranded in unmoving lines, confused and concerned.

Already a world-famous museum, the Louvre draws people from around the world thanks to iconic pieces like the Mona Lisa and Liberty Leading the People. It’s not the first time the Louvre encountered a walkout of its employees; in 2019 and 2013, workers left in response to overcrowding and safety fears. This most recent walkout, however, is more spontaneous and sudden, in full view of the crowds of visitors waiting to visit the museum. And with about 20,000 people a day trying to squeeze into not only the museum but also the Salle des États, the museum’s largest room, just to get a photo of the Mona Lisa, it’s no wonder employees are overwhelmed.

Reports also leaked that some parts of the Louvre are in disrepair and in desperate need of updates. Parts of the building are no longer watertight, with temperature fluctuations putting priceless art at risk. It’s said even basic visitor needs like restrooms, signage and food dropped in standards. While Notre Dame cathedral and Centre Pompidou museum are currently undergoing government-backed restorations, the Louvre has yet to receive any upgrades or similar assistance.

In Italy, protestors took to the streets in Genoa, Naples, Milan, Venice and Palermo. The protestors in Venice spoke out against the construction of two hotels, set to add about 1,500 new beds to the city.

Even Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon saw a series of protests against overtourism.

These destinations have made some strides to combat overtourism. In Barcelona, local officials declared in 2024 that more than 10,000 permits for short-term residences would be canceled by 2028. Daily tourist taxes for cruise passengers visiting Barcelona for less than 12 hours would also increase. Venice, Italy, now charges day tourists (in fact, UNESCO recommended in 2023 Venice be put on its Heritage Danger List), and Rome announced plans to limit tourists to sites like Trevi Fountain. Greece expressed a desire to restrict the number of cruise ships calling at its most popular islands. Since April 2024, Amsterdam has banned all new hotel developments and limited overnight travelers, as well as cruise liners from docking in its city center.

Even places as far as Kyoto, Japan, address overtourism problems. A Kyoto council of residents met in 2023 and passed a rule banning foreign visitors from accessing the alleyways of Gion’s geisha district. For a brief period in late 2024, Bali, Indonesia, intended to ban new hotel and tourism developments before deciding to reverse the decision.

Have you experienced protests or pushback from locals on your travels to these destinations? What other destination have you seen encounter overtourism? Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.