France Joins US, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and More on the 2026 “At-Risk” Destinations List, Urging Travelers to Rethink the Impact of Overtourism

Published on November 25, 2025

In 2026, France joins the US, Mexico, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland on a growing list of destinations labeled “at-risk” due to the unsustainable pressures of overtourism. These regions are grappling with severe challenges, including environmental degradation, overcrowded landmarks, and the displacement of local communities. The influx of visitors has overwhelmed infrastructure, drained natural resources, and jeopardized the cultural and ecological integrity of these iconic locations. Travelers are now urged to reconsider their impact and embrace responsible tourism to help preserve these beloved destinations for future generations.

Fodor’s 2026 list of “at-risk” destinations has sparked important conversations within the travel industry, identifying eight locations struggling under the weight of overtourism and environmental strain. While not a call for boycotts, the list encourages travelers to reconsider their trips to these areas as they approach unsustainable tipping points. It’s a “gentle nudge” for more mindful tourism, advocating for a temporary pause rather than permanent avoidance. As Venice and Barcelona are removed from the list, attention now turns to other destinations facing potentially irreversible damage. Here’s a look at the places under scrutiny in 2026.

Antarctica
Once seen as the epitome of “ecotourism,” Antarctica is now battling mass tourism. Over the past 30 years, visitor numbers have grown exponentially, putting immense pressure on the pristine environment. Disturbing the fragile ecosystem, increasing carbon emissions, and harming wildlife have become serious concerns. The region’s natural beauty is now jeopardized by the presence of private ships operating outside regulatory oversight, making it clear that more effective management strategies are urgently needed. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) is unable to enforce meaningful visitor limits, allowing this delicate region to be overwhelmed by tourism’s reach.

Glacier National Park, USA
Glacier National Park, a striking destination in Montana, saw over 3.2 million visitors in 2024 alone. While its sweeping views draw travelers in, the park’s growing popularity has triggered a series of environmental issues, including wildlife disruption, air pollution, and infrastructure strain. Experts have dubbed it a “sustainability paradox,” where increased visitation leads to greater environmental damage, undermining the very conservation efforts intended to protect it. This situation mirrors the issues in Antarctica, where “last-chance tourism” fuels demand but erodes the integrity of the place itself.

The Canary Islands, Spain
A favorite for travelers seeking sun and sea, the Canary Islands have become an unwelcome poster child for overtourism. In just the first half of 2025, the islands attracted 7.8 million visitors, putting immense pressure on local infrastructure, housing, and ecosystems. Protests are growing as locals demand limits on tourism numbers, accusing large investment groups of commodifying the islands at the expense of residents’ quality of life. This rise in mass tourism has led to significant wealth concentration, with much of the economic benefit leaving the region, intensifying local dissatisfaction.

Isola Sacra, Italy
The serene coastal area of Isola Sacra, located near Rome, has become a flashpoint for debates over sustainability. Despite opposition from locals, authorities have approved plans to allow large cruise ships to dock in the area, threatening the delicate environment of the Fiumicino coastline. The environmental risks of such large-scale projects have raised concerns among residents and conservationists alike, who argue that no amount of sustainability efforts can mitigate the impact of these developments on an already fragile ecosystem.

Jungfrau Region, Switzerland
The Jungfrau region in the Swiss Alps, known for its iconic vistas and the Jungfraujoch, has seen a sharp increase in tourism, with over a million visitors flocking to the region each year. This has strained the local infrastructure, as day-trippers, many of whom don’t contribute to the infrastructure maintenance through visitor taxes, overcrowd the area. Additionally, the Aletsch Glacier has seen a rapid retreat, symbolizing the broader environmental impacts of unchecked tourism. The area also faces housing shortages, exacerbated by short-term rentals like Airbnb.

Mexico City, Mexico
As Mexico City continues to draw in tourists, the city has seen rapid gentrification, with rent prices soaring and locals being displaced from their neighborhoods. The influx of short-term rentals, largely driven by platforms like Airbnb, has commodified living spaces, igniting protests calling for a crackdown on such platforms. The protests echo growing frustrations over the city’s increasing reliance on tourism at the expense of long-term residents. Issues like the “Instagram generation” and the influx of foreign visitors have exacerbated the city’s housing crisis.

Mombasa, Kenya
Mombasa, Kenya’s coastal tourism hub, is grappling with the consequences of excessive tourism. Overcrowded beaches, congested streets, and environmental degradation are all taking a toll on the city. Post-pandemic, the city has failed to recover fully, with an overstretched infrastructure failing to keep up with the surge in tourism. As surveys indicate that Mombasa’s appeal may be diminishing, the city is urged to implement measures to control visitor numbers and balance the needs of both tourists and the local community.

Montmartre, Paris, France
Montmartre, one of Paris’ most iconic neighborhoods, is struggling with overcrowding and the loss of its unique cultural identity. The Sacré-Cœur, which attracts millions of visitors each year, has become a focal point of the neighborhood’s saturation. Residents of Montmartre have voiced their concerns, claiming that the influx of day-trippers, short-term rentals, and an ever-expanding tourist infrastructure is draining the area of its original charm. If the situation remains unchanged, there are fears that Montmartre will lose its soul and become a shell of its former self, dominated by tourism at the cost of local life.

France, along with the US, Mexico, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland, has been added to the 2026 “at-risk” destinations list due to overtourism, urging travelers to reconsider their impact on these overcrowded and environmentally strained locations. Responsible tourism is now critical to preserving these iconic destinations for future generations.

In conclusion, overtourism is rapidly pushing many beloved destinations to their limits, endangering their environmental and cultural vitality. Looking ahead to 2026, it’s clear that sustainable tourism is no longer just a choice—it’s a necessity. Travelers must reassess their impact and adopt responsible practices to ensure these iconic places remain intact for future generations. By making thoughtful travel decisions, we can help preserve these fragile destinations and foster a more sustainable, respectful global tourism industry.

Fodor’s 2026 list serves as a stark reminder that while travel can be an enriching experience, it must be approached with care. The destinations on this list are already feeling the strain of tourism, and it’s crucial that travelers consider these challenges before planning their trips. The goal is not to halt travel, but to encourage more mindful, sustainable tourism that safeguards the environment and supports the communities that rely on it.