As global tourism rebounds, overtourism and ease of entry policies are playing an increasingly important role in traveler decision-making in 2025.

According to the latest Global Rescue Winter 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, travelers are actively avoiding overcrowded destinations while showing greater interest in countries with simplified entry requirements.

This shift aligns with government tourism strategies worldwide, as nations seek to balance economic benefits, sustainability, and visitor management.

Policies from organizations like the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the U.S. Department of Commerce, and national tourism boards reflect the growing focus on responsible and sustainable travel.

Overtourism Concerns Impact Destination Choices

The survey revealed that:

73% of travelers are concerned about overtourism.
33% reported experiencing it firsthand in 2024.
53% are actively avoiding overcrowded destinations, including France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Thailand, the Netherlands, and Peru.
Despite these concerns, popular destinations still attract visitors, with:

16% planning trips to Italy
15% to Spain
14% to France
This trend reflects the ongoing appeal of Europe’s top cultural destinations, even as travelers seek alternatives to bypass high-season congestion and rising travel costs.

Government Policies to Manage Overtourism
Experts emphasize that policy intervention is crucial. 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, highlighted the risks:

“Overtourism weakens destinations by straining infrastructure and depleting resources, leaving them ill-equipped to handle traveler and resident crises.”

He recommended government action to ease the strain on high-traffic destinations through:

Visitor caps to regulate daily tourist numbers.
Promotion of off-peak travel to spread tourism demand.
Investment in infrastructure to support sustainable tourism growth.
These approaches align with global best practices in sustainable tourism, as supported by UNWTO and regional tourism authorities.

Emerging Destinations Benefit from Easier Entry Policies
While some countries manage overtourism, others are actively attracting more visitors by easing visa restrictions and promoting traveler-friendly policies. Among the most notable are:

Morocco (10% of travelers planning visits)
Kenya (8%)
Wales (7%)
Egypt (7%)
Cambodia & India (6% each)
Taiwan (5%)
These countries are leveraging simplified visa policies and strategic marketing campaigns to attract international tourists, in line with initiatives by national tourism boards such as Visit Morocco, Kenya Tourism Board, and Taiwan Tourism Bureau.

AAA Travel Advisor Jean Richards noted:

“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.”

A Shift Toward Responsible & Sustainable Travel
As 2025 unfolds, global tourism is undergoing a transformational shift, with travelers prioritizing:

Avoiding overcrowded hotspots.
Exploring lesser-known cultural destinations.
Seeking visa-friendly countries for seamless travel experiences.
With governments and tourism boards playing a crucial role in shaping visitor trends, the industry must continue adapting to balance economic growth with sustainability.

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