1Venice, Italy
Venice is perhaps the most well-known example of a city suffering from overtourism. With its unique network of canals, Renaissance architecture, and historic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice is a magnet for tourists. However, the city’s fragile ecosystem and infrastructure are crumbling under the strain of millions of visitors each year, particularly those arriving on massive cruise ships. Locals have protested against the flooding of tourists, which contributes to pollution, damage to the canal system, and rising housing prices, forcing many residents to leave. In response, Venice has imposed entrance fees for day-trippers and restricted the number of cruise ships allowed to dock.
