Epic Click Travel
Every year, countless travel lists highlight must-visit destinations, drawing tourists from around the globe. However, some of these locations face significant challenges due to over-tourism, leading to lists that emphasize places to avoid. In 2025, renowned travel guide producer Fodor’s released a selection of destinations suffering from overcrowding and its adverse effects.
These locations, despite their natural and cultural beauty, are grappling with issues such as pollution, rising costs, and a decline in the quality of services. Below, we explore some of the destinations that Fodor’s suggests travelers should avoid this year, shedding light on the challenges each is facing.
Agrigento, Italy: A Water Crisis Amid Historic Beauty
Agrigento, a historic city in Sicily, is famous for its ancient fortifications and millennia-old constructions. However, the city is currently in the midst of an unprecedented water crisis. In 2024, the region experienced the worst drought in three decades, leading to water rationing that affected both residents and tourists. The lack of investment in water infrastructure threatens the planned celebrations for 2025, when Agrigento is set to be named Italy’s Cultural Capital. Without urgent action, this iconic city risks losing its charm for future visitors.
Bali, Indonesia: Environmental Damage from Mass Tourism
Bali, an iconic destination in Southeast Asia, is renowned for its beaches and vibrant culture. Yet, the island’s increasing influx of tourists has caused severe environmental problems. Bali generates around 1.6 million tons of waste annually, with only a fraction being properly managed. Plastic pollution threatens local ecosystems, and overcrowding at major tourist attractions results in traffic jams and further environmental degradation. As Bali’s beauty is being overshadowed by the negative impacts of mass tourism, efforts to restore balance are becoming more urgent.
Barcelona, Spain: The Consequences of Overcrowding
Barcelona, one of the most visited cities in the world, faces significant challenges due to its popularity with tourists. Rising living costs, insecurity, and pollution are some of the consequences of the constant flow of visitors. The city has also witnessed protests from local residents opposed to rampant tourism. In response, the city government has implemented measures to mitigate the impacts, but many believe they fall short of addressing the full scope of the issue. As the pressure on the city’s infrastructure continues to grow, it remains to be seen how Barcelona will navigate the tension between tourism and local quality of life.
British Virgin Islands: Environmental and Infrastructure Strain
The British Virgin Islands, known for their pristine beaches, have become a popular destination, particularly for cruise tourism. However, the uncontrolled growth of tourism, especially through cruise ship arrivals, has led to environmental and infrastructure issues. The lack of a comprehensive tourism plan has made the islands less sustainable for large numbers of visitors. The growth in tourism, without the proper management, is threatening the natural beauty and long-term viability of this Caribbean paradise.
Kerala, India: The Toll of Mass Tourism on Nature and Communities
Kerala, located in the southwest of India, is renowned for its natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. However, mass tourism has brought with it pollution and adverse effects on the local quality of life. Unchecked construction and the lack of environmental regulation are damaging natural resources, such as the Vembanad Lake, while contributing to frequent landslides. As more tourists flock to the region, the balance between preserving Kerala’s pristine environment and meeting the demands of tourism becomes increasingly difficult.
Dubai, UAE: A Global Icon Facing Its Own Set of Challenges
Dubai, a world-renowned city in the Middle East, has rapidly transformed from a desert oasis to a thriving metropolis, attracting millions of visitors annually. However, the city faces its own set of challenges related to overtourism. As one of the most luxurious destinations in the world, Dubai struggles with issues such as excessive construction, rising costs, and a growing environmental footprint. The constant development to cater to tourists, while driving economic growth, also raises concerns about sustainability and long-term livability. The city’s iconic skyscrapers, opulent shopping malls, and vast resorts may be taking a toll on local resources and the environment, posing a question of how to balance progress with preservation.
These examples highlight the complexities of mass tourism and its impacts on popular destinations. Awareness of these challenges is crucial in promoting sustainable tourism practices and ensuring that future generations can enjoy these places. As travelers become more conscious of the effects of overtourism, both tourists and local authorities must work together to protect the world’s most beloved locations.
About Epic Click Travel & Tourism L.L.C
Epic Click Travel is a professional travel partner for hassle-free trips specializing in fast and seamless flight bookings, hotel reservations, and visa processing, ensuring a stress-free travel experience. Whether it’s a business trip or a dream vacation, Epic Click Travel handles all the details so you can focus on enjoying your journey.
Phone: +971 4 572 6638
Whatsapp: +971 52 427 5718
Email: Info@epicclicktravel.com/ epicclicktraveltourism@gmail.com
Epic Click Travel & Tourism LLC
Instagram: @epicclick_travel
Facebook: Epic Click Travel & Tourism LLC
Linkedin.com: Epic Click Travel & Tourism LLC
