Iceland Joins Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Indonesia And More In Introducing Stricter Tourism Limits To Protect Heritage And Sustainability

Published on November 12, 2025

Iceland joins Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Indonesia, and more in implementing stricter tourism limits to protect both the environment and local communities. As the global tourism boom reaches unsustainable levels, countries around the world are realizing that mass tourism, while economically beneficial, can have detrimental effects on their most cherished landmarks and ecosystems. In response, these destinations are introducing innovative policies like entry fees, visitor caps, and environmental taxes to ensure that tourism growth doesn’t come at the cost of their natural and cultural heritage. These measures reflect a growing commitment to sustainable tourism that balances economic benefits with the preservation of the very assets that draw visitors in the first place.

As tourism continues to surge globally, the pressure on popular destinations to manage the influx of visitors has reached critical levels. Iconic cities, UNESCO-protected natural wonders, and culturally significant regions are grappling with the delicate balance between economic benefits and environmental preservation. While tourism has undoubtedly become a cornerstone of the global economy, an increasing number of countries are realizing that unchecked growth is threatening the very assets that make these places attractive to travelers. From Venice’s entry fees to Bali’s motorbike rental bans, governments around the world are taking bold steps to ensure that tourism remains sustainable for the long term.

Iceland, a country known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, has recently become part of this growing movement, joining Italy, Japan, Spain, the Netherlands, and Indonesia in implementing measures designed to curb overtourism and protect the environment. These countries are introducing novel restrictions and regulations to manage visitor numbers, safeguard cultural heritage, and ensure that tourism continues to benefit local communities while maintaining the integrity of these iconic destinations.

Iceland’s Environmental Safeguards and Strategic Tourism Management

Iceland is one of the most stunning destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors to its geothermal springs, volcanic landscapes, and unique ecosystems. However, the massive influx of tourists, especially from cruise ships, has begun to take a toll on the country’s fragile environment. In response, Iceland has introduced a per-passenger, per-day fee, aimed at reducing the impact of tourism on its natural landscapes. This initiative will help fund conservation efforts and reduce the environmental footprint left by large-scale tourism. Officials anticipate a reduction of at least 80 cruise ship visits in 2026, as part of the country’s broader strategy to manage tourist flows and ensure the preservation of its precious ecosystems.

Alongside these measures, Iceland has restricted access to sensitive hiking areas and introduced limits on cruise ship access to some of its most iconic sites. This reflects a growing realization that tourism, while lucrative, can be a double-edged sword—if not carefully managed, it can lead to long-term environmental degradation. By imposing restrictions and fees, Iceland is taking proactive steps to protect its natural wonders from irreversible damage.

Italy Leads with Historic City Entry Fees

Italy has been at the forefront of the global effort to combat overtourism. Venice, a city famous for its canals and rich cultural heritage, became the first city in the world to introduce an entry fee for day visitors. Starting in 2024, tourists will be required to pay a €5 fee to visit the city, with the price set to double to €10 in 2025 for those who book less than four days in advance. The program, which has already generated millions of euros in revenue, aims to reduce the overcrowding that has plagued Venice for years.

With over 20 million annual visitors flooding a city with just 50,000 residents, Venice has struggled with narrow alleys clogged with tourists, skyrocketing housing prices, and pressure on local infrastructure. While critics argue that the entry fees have had little impact on reducing tourist numbers, local authorities are hopeful that the revenue generated from the fees will be reinvested into conservation efforts, helping to preserve the city’s delicate infrastructure and mitigate the effects of overtourism.

Japan Takes Action with Climbing Fees and Visitor Limits

In Japan, authorities have introduced a mandatory ¥2,000 ($12) climbing fee for Mount Fuji, effective in 2024, in an effort to manage the overwhelming number of hikers attempting to reach the summit each year. The fee applies to the popular Yoshida Trail, and daily visitor numbers have been capped at 4,000 to reduce overcrowding, prevent “bullet climbs,” and protect the mountain’s fragile alpine vegetation. This fee, along with similar restrictions on other hiking routes, represents a significant step in Japan’s ongoing efforts to balance tourism with environmental stewardship.

In addition to Mount Fuji, other parts of Japan have introduced visitor caps to protect heritage sites. Okinawa’s UNESCO-protected Iriomote Island now limits daily visitors to 1,200, ensuring that the island’s unique ecosystem remains undisturbed. Kyoto, known for its rich cultural heritage, has implemented a ban on tourists entering private alleys in the Geisha district due to concerns over misbehavior and overtourism protests from local residents. These measures reflect Japan’s growing commitment to managing tourism in a way that preserves both its natural and cultural heritage.

Spain Fights Back with Regional Crackdowns and Tourism Limits

Spain has become a battleground in the fight against overtourism, with cities like Barcelona, Palma, and Ibiza leading the charge. Barcelona, in particular, has introduced bold measures to combat the negative effects of mass tourism. The city has announced plans to eliminate all tourist rentals by 2028, in response to growing dissatisfaction among residents over rising rents and the impact of tourists on daily life. In addition to this, the city has ramped up inspections of short-term rental properties, with inspections increasing by a staggering 454% in 2025 alone.

The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca and Ibiza, have introduced campaigns like “Better in Winter” to encourage visitors to travel during off-peak seasons. The region has also imposed stricter regulations on party tourism, introduced higher regional tourist taxes, and limited seasonal rentals. Authorities have made efforts to control visitor numbers, promote sustainable tourism, and ensure that the local population is not overwhelmed by the surge in tourist arrivals.

The Netherlands Responds with Hotel and Cruise Ship Restrictions in Amsterdam

In the Netherlands, Amsterdam has taken decisive action to combat overtourism. The city, known for its canals and historic sites, plans to reduce the number of cruise ship visits from 190 annually to just 100 starting in 2026. The ban on cruise ships entering the city center entirely will take effect in 2035. This reduction is part of a broader effort to minimize the environmental and social impact of mass tourism. In addition to cruise ship restrictions, Amsterdam has also introduced a cap on the number of visitors to the city, limiting it to 20 million annually.

Amsterdam has also banned the construction of new hotels, further curbing the expansion of the tourism sector. Research indicates that the environmental impact of cruise ships is significant—one ship docked for just one day emits nitrogen pollution equivalent to 31,000 trucks driving around the city’s A10 ring road. By limiting the number of cruise ships and hotel developments, Amsterdam aims to preserve its unique character while improving the quality of life for local residents.

Indonesia’s Bali Introduces Tourist Tax and Bans on Motorbike Rentals

Indonesia’s Bali has long been a favorite among international tourists, but the island has been facing a range of challenges brought on by mass tourism. Traffic congestion, disrespectful behavior from tourists, and environmental degradation have all contributed to the island’s increasing frustration with overtourism. In response, the Balinese government has proposed a ban on foreign tourists renting motorbikes, encouraging them instead to hire local drivers or use licensed taxis.

In addition to the motorbike rental ban, Bali introduced a tourist tax of 150,000 IDR (roughly $10 USD) per visitor in early 2024. The tax revenue will go directly toward environmental restoration and cultural preservation. Authorities have also banned tourist activities on all 22 of Bali’s sacred mountains, which have been subjected to inappropriate behavior and environmental damage. The government has issued fines and deportations for tourists who violate local customs and norms, ensuring that respect for the island’s culture and environment remains a top priority.

The global movement toward limiting tourism is a response to the growing realization that unchecked growth is unsustainable. As countries like Iceland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, and Indonesia introduce stricter regulations, it is clear that the focus is shifting from short-term economic gains to long-term sustainability. These measures—whether they involve entry fees, visitor caps, or environmental taxes—are all designed to preserve the very things that make these destinations worth visiting in the first place.

The European Commission’s upcoming strategy for sustainable tourism, set to launch in early 2026, will further support these efforts by promoting “balanced tourism” and integrating tourism management into broader city planning initiatives. This shift toward more sustainable tourism practices reflects a growing consensus among governments that the health of the planet and the well-being of local communities should come before the unchecked expansion of the tourism sector.

Iceland joins Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Indonesia, and more in implementing stricter tourism limits to safeguard their cultural heritage and natural landscapes. With the surge in global visitors straining local infrastructure, these countries are introducing measures like entry fees and visitor caps to ensure tourism remains sustainable and doesn’t compromise the environment.

As more destinations follow in the footsteps of these pioneering countries, it’s clear that the future of tourism lies in finding a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation. While restrictions may seem like a drastic measure, they are necessary to ensure that future generations can continue to experience the world’s most iconic destinations without sacrificing the cultural and natural heritage that makes them so special.