France Introduces ‘Tourism Score’ to Tackle Overtourism: A Guide to Sustainable Travel Choices

Published on December 4, 2025

In a bold move to address the growing issue of overtourism, a French website has created a new ‘tourism score’ to assist in identifying cities and towns facing overwhelming pressures from high visitor numbers. This innovative initiative aims to empower travellers to make more informed, responsible decisions, while also highlighting areas in desperate need of sustainable tourism strategies.

What is the ‘Tourism Score’?

The ‘tourism score’ has been introduced as a dynamic tool to assess and rank French towns and cities based on the impact of tourism. By analyzing various factors, including visitor numbers, environmental sustainability, and the quality of life for residents, this score provides an essential overview of how much tourism is affecting a destination. The goal is to help travelers avoid overcrowded locations and direct them to areas that are less impacted, promoting a more balanced distribution of visitors across the country.

The concept is not only aimed at making it easier for tourists to plan their trips but also at raising awareness about the consequences of excessive tourism on local communities. Overcrowding can lead to a range of issues, including strain on infrastructure, environmental degradation, and loss of local culture. This tourism score provides a concrete metric for those who want to engage in responsible travel practices.

Why Was the ‘Tourism Score’ Created?

Tourism in France, especially in major cities such as Paris, Nice, and Lyon, has skyrocketed in recent years, leading to significant challenges for local authorities. In many regions, the sheer volume of visitors has begun to outpace the capacity of infrastructure, services, and even the ability of local communities to manage the pressures of mass tourism. In response to this, the French government, in collaboration with experts and local authorities, has sought to implement a solution that not only helps protect the local environment but also preserves the authentic charm of French towns and villages.

With the introduction of the ‘tourism score’, the aim is to provide a transparent system that measures the impact of tourism at the local level. This initiative complements France’s ongoing efforts to reduce the negative impacts of tourism, such as waste accumulation and congestion in popular tourist hotspots. Additionally, it plays a vital role in guiding future travel and tourism policies to ensure they align with sustainable practices.

How the ‘Tourism Score’ Works

The ‘tourism score’ takes into account several key metrics that collectively paint a picture of how tourism is influencing a destination. The primary criteria include:

• Visitor Volume: The number of tourists visiting a particular location in comparison to the local population and the capacity of local infrastructure.
• Sustainability Measures: Evaluation of local sustainability efforts, including waste management, carbon emissions, and initiatives aimed at reducing tourism’s environmental footprint.
• Resident Well-being: The impact of tourism on the lives of local residents, including issues like displacement, the cost of living, and community satisfaction.
• Cultural Preservation: How tourism is affecting local heritage, traditions, and the overall cultural identity of the area.

Each destination is then assigned a score based on these factors. This score serves as a helpful guide for tourists, encouraging them to consider locations that are less congested or more sustainable, thus reducing the strain on the more popular tourist hubs.

Why Is This Important for Sustainable Travel?

The concept of a ‘tourism score’ is deeply tied to the global conversation surrounding sustainable travel. For years, tourism has been one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing industries, contributing to both economic growth and cultural exchange. However, the increasing demand for travel has had a detrimental effect on many of the world’s most iconic destinations.

In France, the situation has become critical in certain regions, particularly in cities such as Paris, where millions of visitors flock annually. Overcrowding in the heart of the city has led to environmental degradation, loss of historic landmarks, and a reduction in the quality of life for local residents. Small towns that were once peaceful havens for locals have also felt the strain, with local businesses struggling to meet the demands of a booming tourism sector.

With overtourism at a breaking point, France’s ‘tourism score’ provides both a response and a solution. By promoting less-visited areas, the score encourages tourists to spread their visits across a wider variety of destinations, thereby reducing pressure on any single location.

The Benefits for Tourists

For travelers, this tool offers a clear and simple way to make more informed travel decisions. The ‘tourism score’ not only highlights which towns are suffering from overtourism but also helps highlight those locations that are welcoming visitors in a way that doesn’t compromise the environment or the local community.

One of the core benefits is that it empowers tourists to choose destinations where their presence will have a more positive impact. Sustainable tourism encourages a responsible approach to travel, where the needs of the community and the environment are taken into account. By promoting lesser-known regions and more sustainable travel practices, the tourism score helps ensure that future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The Impact on Local Communities

Local communities will also benefit significantly from this new approach to tourism. By redirecting visitors away from overcrowded cities, towns that might have otherwise struggled with the impacts of tourism can experience a more balanced influx of visitors. This will help maintain the authenticity and heritage of these locations while also improving the quality of life for residents.

Furthermore, by shifting the focus to sustainable practices, local businesses can also thrive without harming the environment. It provides an opportunity for smaller towns to showcase their culture, landscapes, and experiences, encouraging a more diverse and balanced tourism economy.

France’s Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

The introduction of the ‘tourism score’ is part of a broader commitment by France to embrace more sustainable and ethical tourism practices. In recent years, France has taken several steps to manage the environmental and social challenges posed by its booming tourism sector. These measures have included introducing restrictions on certain high-traffic tourist activities, implementing greener transportation options, and promoting regional tourism to reduce the burden on major cities.

The ‘tourism score’ serves as a transparent and actionable tool that supports these efforts, providing a framework that is accessible to both tourists and local governments. By embracing innovative solutions like this, France is setting an example for other countries struggling with the challenges of overtourism.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Tourism in France

As the global tourism landscape changes, the need for sustainable and responsible travel practices becomes increasingly important. France’s ‘tourism score’ is a significant step forward in promoting responsible travel while also benefiting the local communities and environments that make the country so unique. It is hoped that this initiative will inspire other countries to follow suit and implement similar systems to better manage tourism-related pressures.

With global tourism numbers continuing to rise, destinations must find new ways to adapt while preserving their natural beauty and cultural integrity. The ‘tourism score’ marks the start of a new chapter in the quest for a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry. Using this tool, tourists and residents can collaborate to create a more balanced and sustainable future for all.