Green Travel List 2026: Tackling Over-Tourism Challenges

The State of Global Tourism

According to a report from the United Nations World Tourism Organization, around 1.1 billion people traveled internationally between January and September 2025. This marks a 5% increase compared to the same period in 2024, and this year is anticipated to set a new record for tourist numbers. While travel destinations are becoming more accessible, this comes with a significant challenge: over-tourism at many popular sites.

Highlighted Destinations on the List

Europe has responded positively to this issue, with many famous cities implementing sustainable tourism management plans. Below are some exemplary destinations that have taken measures to address overcrowding, benefiting both residents and visitors.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The capital city, Amsterdam, has proactively set a cap of 20 million overnight tourists per year. Additionally, the city limits the number of new hotel permits to only when an existing hotel closes. Starting in 2026, Amsterdam will impose a limit of 100 cruise ship arrivals annually and requires each tourist to pay a €15 tourism tax.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik has proposed a unique reservation system and visitor counters to monitor the number of tourists at attractions. Notably, the city is also working to improve public transport and reduce traffic density around the Old Town area to alleviate overcrowding.

Barcelona, Spain

In Barcelona, resident protests have marked a significant turning point in addressing over-tourism. The city’s mayor has banned short-term rentals of Airbnb-style apartments to protect local residents and curb rising rental prices.

Comino Island, Malta

The Blue Lagoon area of Comino Island has become overcrowded in recent years. Starting in May 2025, an online booking system will be implemented, allowing a maximum of 4,000 people in the area at any one time to help reduce congestion.

Santorini, Greece

To better manage cruise tourism, Santorini has limited the number of tourists on cruise ships to around 8,000 per day. A €20 tax per passenger has also been introduced, which helps reduce the number of large ships docking.

Conclusion

It’s encouraging to see many travel destinations working hard to adjust tourist numbers to protect natural habitats and enhance the experience for visitors. The next step is to gather feedback from residents, tourists, and operators to assess the real impact of these measures.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

Before embarking on a journey to these destinations, Vietnamese travelers should be aware of visa requirements. For European countries like the Netherlands and Spain, a Schengen visa is necessary. The cost for a Schengen visa is approximately €80 (around 2 million VND), and processing typically takes 15 to 20 days.

For transportation, travelers can fly from Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) or Noi Bai Airport (HAN) to various major cities in Europe. Airfare from Vietnam to Europe ranges from 12 million to 20 million VND, depending on the time of year and airline.

Those looking to explore Europe should consider traveling in spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November) to avoid the intense heat and crowds of summer.

Finally, travelers should keep in mind that destinations are implementing measures to limit tourist numbers, such as requiring advance reservations, to ensure the best experience and minimize wait times at attractions.

This article is adapted and edited from: Wanderlust Magazine