Las Vegas joins Barcelona, ​​Dubai, Venice, Bali and others as global tourism hotspots face backlash from locals and crises of overcrowding and visitor fatigue reshape the future of travel in 2025.

Posted on November 4, 2025

Once-iconic destinations like Las Vegas, Barcelona, ​​Dubai, Venice, and Bali face the harsh realities of overtourism in 2025. What were once symbols of wanderlust and cultural discovery have become battlegrounds of overcrowding, local frustration, and visitor fatigue. From protests in Spain and Italy to draining resources on paradise islands and rising costs in luxury centres, global tourism is showing signs of collapsing despite its success. Residents demand limits, travelers express remorse, and governments struggle to balance profit with environmental preservation. The backlash sweeping these world-famous cities reflects a deeper truth: that the modern travel boom is not only reshaping destinations, but the very meaning of the trip itself.

In 2025, the global travel map will be redrawn – not by new destinations, but by growing discontent. From political unrest in the United States to protests across Europe and paradise islands in Asia collapsing under the weight of mass tourism, travelers are discovering that their dream vacations often come with disappointment. What were once must-see destinations have become cautionary tales of overcrowding, frustration and fading authenticity.

The reputation of tourism in America is declining sharply
The United States is facing one of the worst declines in international tourism in recent years. Foreign traveler spending fell by $12.5 billion in 2025, with flight bookings between May and July down 11% compared to 2024. This decline reflects a growing disinterest among key markets such as Canada and Western Europe, where travelers feel the United States is becoming less attractive due to its political and social climate. International arrivals in March fell by almost 12%, underscoring how much sentiment has turned. For many visitors, the American Dream has waned, replaced by a feeling of discomfort and cultural disconnect that discourages return visits.

Barcelona is fighting tourist fatigue
In Spain, Barcelona residents are taking a stance against the impact of mass tourism on daily life. Demonstrations in 2025 saw locals turn to creative protests – even spraying visitors with water pistols – to vent their frustration over crowded streets and unaffordable housing. The city hosted more than 82 million international visitors in 2024, and the pressure is palpable. Markets like La Boqueria now receive more than 23 million visitors a year, taxing the infrastructure. To combat this, officials plan to cancel all short-term Airbnb-style rentals by 2028. What was once a symbol of European vitality has become a city revolting against its own popularity.

Venice imposes fees to curb overtourism
Venice continues to struggle under the weight of its global fame. The city welcomed more than 3.5 million overnight tourists last year, and imposed a €5 entrance fee for day travelers, a world first. The measure, designed to protect the fragile beach city, has had limited success, as narrow alleys and canals remain crowded. Authorities are now considering expanding the policy with higher fees and tougher limits. New rules restricting guided tours and banning loudspeakers reflect how desperate the city is to restore order. Visitors often describe Venice as stunning yet claustrophobic, where the postcard beauty belies the chaos underneath.

Paradise Island demands change
The Canary Islands are no longer just about sunshine and serenity. In 2025, residents across Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria continue to protest the impact of overtourism on housing affordability, limited resources, and environmental health. The slogan “The Canary Islands have limits” has become a powerful reminder of the tension between locals and mass tourism. Meanwhile, Mallorca’s soaring visitor numbers – expected to exceed 51 million this year – are sparking similar outrage. Locals are urging restrictions on cruise ships and short-term rentals as their island’s infrastructure crumbles. And now the golden allure of the Mediterranean is straining under the weight of endless arrivals.

Overcrowded retreats in Asia lose their charm
In Asia, Bali is a stark example of the disillusionment caused by social media. The image of the island of pristine beauty has been replaced by reality – crowded beaches, gridlock, and commercial sprawl. Previously sleepy cities like Ubud and Canggu are now bustling with endless tourist traffic, making authentic experiences rare. The rise of influencer culture has turned the island into a backdrop rather than a destination, leaving travelers disappointed with the gap between promise and experience.

The glamor is fading in Dubai and Las Vegas
Dubai, famous for its wealth and futuristic architecture, continues to attract visitors, but many leave feeling disillusioned. High prices, sweltering heat, and lack of cultural authenticity make the city feel more like an elaborate showroom than an actual destination. Likewise, Las Vegas – the self-proclaimed entertainment capital – is suffering from fatigue. The city’s constant noise, inflated costs and frequent attractions erode its appeal, with travelers describing it as overly commercialised, stressful and not exciting.

Natural wonders and famous sites lose their charm
Niagara Falls, once admired for its stunning beauty, is now surrounded by flashy commercial attractions and expensive hotels. The landscape is still breathtaking, but the carnival-like atmosphere has dulled its appeal. In Pisa, Italy, the Leaning Tower continues to attract millions, yet visitors rarely stay more than an hour. Surrounded by tourist shops and busy cafes, the town feels more like a photo opportunity than a meaningful stop.

Las Vegas, Barcelona, ​​Dubai, Venice and Bali are witnessing the downsides of overtourism, as local backlash, overcrowding and visitor fatigue reshape global travel trends and challenge the future of tourism in 2025.

The turning point for global tourism
By 2025, overtourism will become one of the most pressing challenges in the travel industry. The combination of overcrowded attractions, local discontent, and environmental degradation is causing travelers and governments to reconsider what sustainable tourism should look like. The world’s most popular destinations are paying a price for their popularity, and travelers are realizing that not every dream destination delivers on its promises. A new era of conscious, responsible travel is emerging – one that values ​​balance, authenticity, and respect over unrestrained numbers.