Several popular tourist destinations are set to enforce bans on cruise ships, following a surge in protests over the impact of foreign visitors on local communities. Authorities in 12 locations have taken action to address the strain that cruise ship tourists place on housing markets and infrastructure, with seven more considering similar measures.
In response to the increasing frustration from residents, countries such as Spain, France, and Italy have introduced regulations to manage the influx of tourists driven by affordable travel options and social media influences. Venice, for example, limited cruise ship arrivals in 2021, while Santorini has imposed a cap on passenger numbers and introduced a visitor charge.
The Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, announced a ban on cruise ships carrying more than 900 passengers at the city’s port and Villefranche-sur-Mer starting July 1. The move aims to address concerns over the environmental impact and overcrowding caused by these “monsters of the sea.”
While efforts to restrict visitor numbers have faced opposition from the hospitality sector, some destinations are considering drastic measures. Belfast in Maine is proposing a ban on ships with over 50 passengers, while Iceland has introduced a daily passenger tax to deter mass tourism.
Despite last year’s protests, global visitor numbers continue to rise, with cruise ships expanding their capacities to accommodate more travellers. The world’s largest cruiser, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, boasts a capacity of 7,600 passengers, highlighting the ongoing challenges of overtourism.
Several countries have already introduced restrictions on cruise ships to manage visitor numbers. From Santorini to Venice, destinations are implementing measures to preserve their local communities and environment. Barcelona, Dubrovnik, and Zeebrugge are among the locations enforcing limits on cruise ship arrivals to mitigate overtourism effects.
As the debate on overtourism intensifies, authorities in Bordeaux, Key West, and Marseilles are considering regulations to control cruise ship arrivals. From proposing new cruise docks to banning mega ships, these destinations are seeking solutions to balance tourism demands with the well-being of their residents.
In Norway, the government plans to restrict cruise ships to zero-emission vessels under 10,000 tonnes, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of tourism. Mexico is set to introduce an immigration fee for cruise ship visitors, while Amsterdam is limiting the number of cruise ships allowed to dock each year.
The ongoing efforts to address overtourism reflect a growing concern for sustainable tourism practices and the need to protect local communities. By implementing restrictions on cruise ships and promoting responsible travel, destinations worldwide are seeking to find a balance between tourism revenue and environmental preservation.