As some countries struggle with overtourism and others are
actively promoting increased tourism including easier entry
processes, travelers in 2025 are redefining their priorities based on
specific destination conditions.
According to the Global Recue Winter 2025 Traveler Sentiment
and Safety Survey, three out of four travelers (73%) expressed concerns about
overtourism, and a third (33%) reported encountering it firsthand in 2024.
More than half of travelers (53%) reported they are
intentionally avoiding overcrowded destinations such as France, Spain, Italy,
Greece, Thailand, the Netherlands and Peru. Yet, these countries still draw
some traveler interest with 16 percent of travelers planning trips to Italy, 15
percent to Spain, and 14 percent to France.
“The tourism industry is at a pivotal moment," said Dan
Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and member of the U.S. Travel and
Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “Overtourism weakens
destinations by straining infrastructure and depleting resources, leaving them
ill-equipped to handle traveler and resident crises.”
Richards also said, “Government leaders have the power to
mitigate these dangers. Implementing visitor caps, promotion of off-peak
travel, and targeted investments in tourism infrastructure are critical to
easing the burden on high-traffic destinations.”
As global tourism continues to expand, he added, “the
urgency for proactive destination management has never been greater. Travelers
and policymakers share a responsibility to ensure that tourism remains a force
for good—driving economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and
safeguarding the environment.”
According to Kristy Mosolino, co-owner of Wishes Travel in Birmingham,
Alabama, “Though we’re happy to work with clients who want to go to more popular
destinations, we let them know that traveling to Venice in the summer or
visiting Italy during the Jubilee may not end up being the travel experience
they were expecting.”
She added, “There are too many travelers vying for the same
resources and as a result, prices are going to be higher. What we recommend
instead is more off-the-beaten-path Italy for example, or heading to another
European destination like the Greek Islands during a major cultural or sporting
event.”
Meanwhile, destinations like Morocco, Kenya, Wales, Egypt,
Cambodia, India and Taiwan are actively trying to attract more tourists by
promoting easier entry processes, and travelers are responding.
Nearly 10 percent of travelers are planning to visit
Morocco, followed by Kenya (8%) and Wales (7%). Of the other countries easing
international traveler entry policies, respondents are planning trips to Egypt
(7%), Cambodia and India (6% each), and Taiwan (5%).
AAA Travel Services Advisor Jean Richards said “We’re seeing
a tremendous uptick in travelers looking to visit new destinations, especially
those that are not as popular or in demand. As a result, these travelers report
positive experiences and unforgettable memories.”
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
