5Upper IntermediateExamEnvironment

The Growing Debate Over Overtourism in Popular Destinations

Overtourism has become a serious policy issue in cities and historical sites worldwide. From Japan's ancient temples to Turkey's cultural landmarks, governments are struggling to balance economic growth with the preservation of local communities. This article examines the causes, effects, and proposed solutions to this growing global challenge.

1 min readLevel 5April 20, 2026

By Flalingo Editorial Team

Vocabulary

Study these words before reading the article. Click the audio button to hear pronunciation.

overtourism

/ˌəʊvəˈtʊərɪzəm/

noun

A situation where too many tourists visit a place, causing problems for local people and the environment.

“Overtourism in popular cities has led to higher rents and crowded public spaces.”

preservation

/ˌprezəˈveɪʃn/

noun

The act of keeping something in its original state or protecting it from damage.

“The preservation of ancient buildings requires careful planning and regular maintenance.”

sustainable

/səˈsteɪnəbl/

adjective

Able to continue over a long period without causing damage to the environment or resources.

“Sustainable tourism aims to benefit local communities without harming the environment.”

implement

/ˈɪmplɪment/

verb

To put a plan or system into action; to start using something officially.

“The government decided to implement new rules to control the number of visitors.”

fragile

/ˈfrædʒaɪl/

adjective

Easily broken or damaged; delicate and needing careful treatment.

“The fragile ecosystem of the island was damaged by years of heavy tourism.”

considerably

/kənˈsɪdərəbli/

adverb

By a large amount; to a great degree.

“The number of tourists visiting the region has increased considerably over the past decade.”

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Article

Click on any underlined word to see its definition. Highlighted words are from the vocabulary section.

Overtourism is now a central issue shaping travel policy around the world. International tourism reached record levels again in 2025. However, visitors have concentrated in already stressed destinations. Historic neighborhoods and fragile cultural sites are experiencing constant crowding. Residents in these areas report a reduced quality of life.

Japan provides a clear example of how overtourism affects communities. Cities like Kyoto and areas around Mount Fuji face significant pressure. Tourists have been banned from private streets in Kyoto's historic Gion district. Authorities introduced a daily cap of 4,000 climbers on Mount Fuji. Turkey is also affected, as Istanbul's landmarks attract millions annually.

Many governments are now implementing measures to manage visitor numbers. Venice has introduced an access fee for day visitors. Barcelona plans to ban temporary tourist apartment licenses by 2028. The European Union is preparing a sustainable tourism strategy for 2026. Turkey has launched Night Museum programs to reduce overcrowding at historical sites.

Experts suggest that sustainable tourism requires careful planning and cooperation. If governments invested more in lesser-known regions, pressure on major cities would decrease. Promoting off-season travel and responsible behavior could also help considerably. The challenge remains to preserve cultural heritage while maintaining economic benefits.

Comprehension Quiz

Test your understanding of the article with these multiple-choice questions.

1
What is the main topic of the article?
2
What measure has been introduced on Mount Fuji to manage overtourism?
3
What is Turkey's Night Museum program designed to do?
4
According to the article, what is Barcelona planning to do by 2028?
5
What solution does the article suggest for reducing pressure on major cities?

Discussion

Answer these comprehension questions about the article.

1
According to the article, what are the main negative effects of overtourism on local communities?
2
The author suggests that Japan has taken specific steps to address overtourism. What examples are given?
3
What evidence does the article provide to show that overtourism is a global problem, not just a local one?
4
According to the passage, how is Turkey responding to the challenges of overtourism at its historical sites?
5
The article mentions that the European Union is preparing a tourism strategy. What does this suggest about the scale of the problem?

Further Discussion

Share your opinions on these open-ended questions.

1
If you could set tourism rules for a famous place in your country, what would they be and why?
2
Do you think tourists have a responsibility to learn about local customs before visiting a new country? Why or why not?
3
Some people argue that tourism fees are unfair to travelers. Do you agree or disagree with this view?
4
How has social media changed the way people choose travel destinations, and is this a positive or negative development?
5
Would you prefer to visit a popular tourist destination or a lesser-known place? Explain your reasoning.