Japan Joins USA, Jamaica, Spain, Denmark, Italy, New Zealand and more in an All-Out, Revolutionary Effort to Defeat Overtourism with Extreme, Game-Changing Policies That Will Reshape Travel Forever by 2026

In the aftermath of the pandemic, global tourism has surged toward unprecedented levels, with international arrivals set to reach 1.8 billion by 2030. This remarkable growth, while positive for economies, has brought new challenges. One of the most pressing issues is overtourism—the overwhelming of popular destinations by too many visitors, leading to overcrowding, environmental degradation, and strained local communities.

To manage this surge, many countries are now testing extreme measures that would have been unthinkable a few years ago. From AI-driven crowd management and advanced booking systems to dynamic pricing and higher entry fees, governments worldwide are trying to find the balance between maintaining a vibrant tourism sector and protecting their cultural, natural, and social fabric.

Countries like Japan, the United States, Jamaica, Spain (Mallorca), Denmark, Italy (Venice), and New Zealand are at the forefront of these efforts, adopting bold new strategies to control the pressure caused by mass tourism. This article takes an in-depth look at these nations’ innovative solutions to combat overtourism, focusing on practical actions they are taking to safeguard the future of travel.

Japan: Digital Tools and Visitor Restrictions to Manage Crowding

Japan, a country that has seen an explosion in tourism, especially around its iconic landmarks like Kyoto, Mount Fuji, and Tokyo, is using technology and visitor restrictions to manage the growing crowds. Overcrowding is not only damaging the environment but also disturbing local communities who face daily disruptions due to the influx of tourists.

Digital Crowdsourcing and AI Forecasts

To manage visitor numbers, the Kyoto City Tourism Association launched a Congestion Forecast tool in 2024. This digital tool provides real-time predictions of crowd levels at major attractions like Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari Shrine, helping tourists plan their visit at off-peak hours to avoid large crowds. This real-time data helps visitors avoid bottleneck areas, thereby dispersing the flow of tourists and making visits more enjoyable for everyone.

Kyoto’s tourism board also introduced a Smart Navi App which provides live updates on crowd levels and offers alternative routes and quieter attractions for those who prefer a less crowded experience. This approach encourages responsible tourism and makes visiting Kyoto more sustainable for both tourists and locals.

Restrictions and Physical Barriers

In addition to technological solutions, Japan has taken a physical approach in certain areas. For example, in Fujikawaguchiko, near Mount Fuji, a barrier was erected in 2024 to prevent tourists from climbing roofs and disturbing private properties. Similarly, the iconic cherry blossom festival in Fujiyoshida was canceled in 2025 after complaints from locals about littering and disrespectful behavior. With over 200,000 visitors flocking to the event annually, the cancellation was seen as a necessary step to preserve the community’s integrity and prevent the degradation of the local environment.

By combining both technological tools and physical restrictions, Japan is actively reducing overtourism’s impact, ensuring that its destinations remain accessible without damaging their cultural and environmental significance.

United States: Pricing and Fee Increases for Popular National Parks

The United States has also witnessed rapid tourism growth, especially in its National Parks system, which is one of the world’s most visited tourism attractions. While parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon offer unparalleled natural beauty, they also face overcrowding, littering, and infrastructure strain.

New Surcharges for Non-Residents

In 2026, the Department of the Interior introduced a $100 surcharge for international visitors at 11 popular national parks to reduce congestion and raise funds for park maintenance. This increase is part of an effort to address overcrowding while also boosting revenue for park services. The America the Beautiful pass, which provides access to all federal recreation sites, has also been raised for non-residents, from $80 to $250. This new pricing model aims to redistribute visitor numbers while maintaining affordability for U.S. residents.

Criticism and Alternative Solutions

While these price hikes aim to manage tourism, experts argue that pricing alone will not solve the issue. Domestic travel patterns—driven by school holidays and summer vacations—contribute significantly to the overcrowding problem. As Kevin Jackson, co-founder of EXP Journeys, points out, demand for iconic parks remains high, and pricing alone may not be enough to address the issue.

Jamaica: Incentives for Off-Peak Travel

In contrast to the restrictive measures adopted by some other countries, Jamaica is focusing on incentivizing off-peak travel to alleviate overtourism pressure on the island’s infrastructure.

Rain Protection for Off-Peak Tourism

To encourage travel during the traditionally quieter hurricane season, Jamaica introduced a Rain Coverage Scheme in collaboration with JetBlue Vacations and WeatherPromise. This initiative allows tourists to receive an automatic refund if their holiday is affected by excessive rain, giving them confidence to book during off-peak months. This system not only encourages tourists to visit during low season but also reduces crowding during peak months, ensuring that local resources are not overstretched.

Promoting Alternative Experiences

Jamaica is also emphasizing experiences beyond its famous beaches, such as cultural tours and indoor attractions like the Bob Marley Museum and rum tasting. By promoting a more diverse range of activities, Jamaica is trying to spread visitor numbers across the island and throughout the year, thus balancing tourism demand and promoting sustainable growth.

Spain (Mallorca): AI and Responsible Tourism

Mallorca, one of the most popular destinations in Spain, has faced protests from locals and environmental groups due to overcrowding and tourism’s negative impacts. In response, the island is using AI-powered crowd management systems to direct tourists and better manage visitor flow.

Intelligent Destination Platform (PID)

Mallorca has adopted the PID (Intelligent Destination Platform), which uses real-time data to guide tourists to the best times for visiting key attractions. This tool suggests alternative sites for visitors and provides crowd forecasts, helping tourists avoid peak hours. The platform aims to optimize the tourist experience while reducing congestion at popular sites.

Responsible Tourism Campaigns

Alongside AI tools, Mallorca’s tourism board has launched the Ca Nostra (“Our Home”) campaign, encouraging both visitors and locals to treat the island with respect, protecting its landscapes, traditions, and communities. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the need for sustainable tourism and to foster a sense of responsibility among both residents and tourists.

Denmark: Copenhagen’s CopenPay and Behavioural Incentives

Copenhagen, one of Europe’s fastest-growing tourism cities, is adopting a behavioural nudging approach to manage tourism and reduce overtourism effects. With projected growth of 24% in visitor numbers by 2030, Copenhagen is focusing on sustainable and engaging methods.

CopenPay

The CopenPay initiative rewards tourists for taking eco-friendly actions such as cycling, kayaking, or participating in clean-up activities. Over 30,000 visitors have participated in the program, with a 59% increase in bike rentals. This positive reinforcement model encourages tourists to take sustainable actions in exchange for discounts or exclusive experiences, such as eco-friendly city tours.

Global Interest

Copenhagen’s innovative approach has garnered global interest, with other cities like Berlin and Normandy exploring similar models. This shift in travel behaviour towards sustainability and responsibility is being seen as a potential solution for cities facing overtourism.

Italy (Venice): Entry Fees and Reservation Systems to Control Visitor Numbers

Venice, one of the most visited cities in the world, has long faced the challenges of overtourism, from overcrowded streets to environmental degradation. The city has taken radical steps to regulate the number of visitors, aiming to protect both its cultural heritage and quality of life for locals.

Tourist Caps and Entry Reservation System

In 2023, Venice introduced an entry reservation system, requiring tourists to pre-book their day visits and pay an entry fee during peak times. This fee varies depending on the time of year, with €5 charged during busy seasons. The aim is to limit day-trippers and encourage longer stays, which are more sustainable for the local economy.

Exemptions for Residents

Venice has also introduced exemptions for local residents, workers, and students to preserve their access to the city without being impacted by tourism caps. This ensures that locals continue to have full access to their city, while visitors are controlled through a systematic entry process.

New Zealand: Managing Visitor Numbers with Booking Systems

In New Zealand, the introduction of advanced booking systems for its Great Walks has allowed the country to better manage the number of visitors to its most sensitive natural areas.

Booking Systems for Conservation

Popular tracks like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Milford Track now require visitors to book in advance, especially during peak seasons. This system helps manage visitor numbers, prevent overcrowding, and ensure that the natural environment is preserved for future generations.

Conclusion: A New Era for Global Tourism

The strategies being adopted by countries like Japan, the United States, Jamaica, Spain (Mallorca), Denmark, Italy (Venice), and New Zealand offer a diverse array of solutions to the problem of overtourism. From AI-driven tools and dynamic pricing models to seasonal incentives and booking systems, these nations are implementing innovative measures to protect their cultural, natural, and social environments.

As tourism continues to surge globally, these groundbreaking measures provide a glimpse into the future of travel—one where responsibility, sustainability, and digital tools play a central role in shaping how we travel and experience the world.

By adopting these strategies, destinations can continue to welcome visitors without compromising the very attributes that make them special. Overtourism is a growing challenge, but with the right solutions in place, the world’s most beloved destinations can remain sustainable and vibrant for generations to come.

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