Iceland Joins Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Bhutan And Other Nations In Curbing Overtourism By Enforcing Strict Visitor Quotas, Fines, And Eco-Conscious Fees To Foster Sustainable Tourism Practices Across The Region

Published on December 27, 2025

Iceland Joins Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Bhutan and Other Nations in Curbing Overtourism with Strict Access Rules, Fines, Environmental Levies, and Visitor Quotas for Sustainable Tourism. As overtourism threatens the natural beauty and cultural heritage of destinations across Asia and the Pacific, countries like Iceland, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, and Bhutan are implementing strict measures to manage visitor numbers and protect fragile ecosystems. These countries are adopting policies such as tourist levies, park fees, visitor quotas, and digital booking systems to ensure tourism remains sustainable, minimizing environmental impact while fostering long-term economic benefits. With a rising global awareness of overtourism’s detrimental effects, these nations are leading the charge in balancing the benefits of tourism with the urgent need for conservation and responsible travel.

Overtourism has become a major issue globally, and countries in the Asia-Pacific region are actively seeking ways to combat the negative impacts of unchecked tourism. Iceland, known for its stunning landscapes and eco-tourism appeal, has joined the ranks of several nations, including Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, and Bhutan, in taking bold steps to curb overtourism through strict access rules, environmental levies, and visitor quotas. These measures aim to protect fragile ecosystems, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure that tourism remains sustainable for future generations.

Iceland’s Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

Iceland, often hailed for its pristine nature, has experienced a dramatic rise in tourism over the past decade. With this influx, the country is facing new challenges in maintaining the balance between tourism growth and environmental preservation. Iceland has introduced several measures to manage visitor numbers and ensure sustainable tourism:

• Tourist Levy and Environmental Fees: Iceland has implemented site access fees at some of its most popular attractions, such as Kirkjufell, Landmannalaugar, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. These fees help fund conservation efforts and infrastructure maintenance. For example, the parking fees at Kirkjufell are over ISK 1,000 (~USD 7), and similar fees are being introduced at other key natural sites.
• Digital Reservations: To regulate access to high-demand sites, Iceland has launched a digital booking system for attractions like the Golden Circle and Vatnajökull National Park. This system helps prevent overcrowding while allowing authorities to better manage visitor flow.
• Sustainable Tourism Programs: Iceland’s government is working with local businesses and NGOs to promote eco-friendly practices such as carbon offsetting, responsible wildlife watching, and sustainable hiking. These initiatives ensure that tourists can enjoy the country’s breathtaking landscapes without contributing to long-term environmental damage.

Thailand’s Approach to Overtourism Management

Thailand is one of the world’s most visited destinations, famous for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and rich history. However, the country’s popularity has led to severe environmental degradation, particularly in tourist hotspots like Maya Bay and Phuket. To address these issues, Thailand has enacted several strict measures:

• Maya Bay Access Rules: Maya Bay, made famous by the movie The Beach, had been closed for several years to allow its coral reefs and marine life to recover from the heavy tourist traffic. In 2025, the Thai government reopened the bay with new visitor restrictions. Visitors are limited to 1-hour stays, and the number of tourists is capped at 400 per day. A 400 THB (~USD 12) entry fee has also been implemented, with proceeds directed toward conservation efforts.
• National Entry Tax: Thailand is set to introduce a national entry tax of 300 baht (~USD 9), which will apply to all foreign tourists arriving in the country. The tax will help fund sustainable tourism practices, including the preservation of national parks and other protected areas. The government plans to allocate funds for cleaning, infrastructure development, and wildlife conservation.
• Phuket’s Beach Restoration Projects: Phuket’s once pristine beaches were severely impacted by mass tourism. To combat this, Thailand has introduced a series of beach restoration projects and strict hotel development rules to prevent further damage to the environment. Hotels and resorts in sensitive areas are now required to invest in eco-friendly building practices and support local conservation efforts.

The Philippines: Addressing Overcrowding in Boracay and Beyond

The Philippines is a country where some of the world’s most beautiful islands and beaches have been affected by the pressures of mass tourism. Boracay, a popular island destination, faced severe environmental challenges in 2018, leading to a six-month closure to rehabilitate the island. The government has since implemented strict rules to curb overtourism:

• Boracay Environmental Fees: After its reopening, Boracay implemented an environmental fee of PHP 300 (~USD 5.40) for foreign visitors. This fee helps fund wastewater treatment facilities and maintain the island’s cleanliness and infrastructure. The island has also capped accommodation capacity at 6,000 rooms to prevent overcrowding.
• Visitor Quotas and Controlled Entry: The government has introduced visitor quotas and strict entry regulations for popular spots such as El Nido and Palawan. For instance, in 2025, Boracay is considering a daily visitor limit to maintain ecological balance. Additionally, there are plans to extend visitor quotas to Siargao and Bohol.
• Sustainable Island Development: The Philippines has also started working on sustainable tourism initiatives in other tourist hotspots, emphasizing community-based tourism and promoting eco-friendly hotels and resorts. These projects aim to balance the needs of local communities and the tourism industry while protecting the environment.

Indonesia: Bali’s Tourism Levy and Island-Wide Measures

Bali, one of Indonesia’s most iconic islands, has long struggled with overtourism, leading to environmental degradation and cultural strain. In recent years, Bali has made significant strides in managing tourism:

• Bali Tourist Levy: Bali introduced a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (~USD 10) for all international arrivals starting in February 2024. The levy aims to address water shortages, cultural erosion, and waste management. Funds raised from the levy are being allocated to support sustainable infrastructure and preservation of cultural sites.
• No-New-Hotels Policy: To prevent further overcrowding and strain on resources, Bali has implemented a moratorium on new hotel developments. This policy is designed to limit the number of high-capacity hotels and resorts, ensuring that the island’s infrastructure can cope with visitor demand.
• Water Conservation Initiatives: Bali’s local government is also tackling water scarcity issues by implementing programs to reduce water consumption in hotels, resorts, and tourist attractions. These programs include rainwater harvesting, water recycling systems, and the promotion of water-efficient practices among tourists.

Japan: Mount Fuji’s Climbing Fees and Visitor Caps

Japan is another destination where mass tourism is starting to take a toll on its natural sites, particularly Mount Fuji. To preserve the iconic mountain and reduce environmental strain, Japan has introduced several new measures:

• Climbing Fees and Quotas: Starting in 2025, Japan is implementing a climbing fee of ¥4,000 (~USD 27) for those trekking Mount Fuji. To avoid overcrowding and protect the environment, the number of climbers will be capped at 4,000 per day. The government has also banned night hikes to reduce waste and minimize environmental damage caused by reckless climbing.
• Safety Tests and Regulations: As part of the measures to curb dangerous behavior, Japan will require all climbers to complete safety tests before embarking on their ascent. This aims to reduce the number of “bullet climbers” who ascend the mountain in a rushed and unsafe manner.
• Eco-Conscious Tourism Initiatives: Japan is also focusing on promoting sustainable tourism through educational programs that encourage responsible travel and minimize the carbon footprint of tourists. The government’s “Cool Japan” initiative is designed to attract high-value, responsible tourists who are committed to preserving Japan’s cultural and environmental heritage.

Bhutan: High-Value, Low-Volume Model for Sustainable Development

Bhutan is a global leader in using tourism to support conservation, and its approach to high-value, low-volume tourism has become a model for other countries:

• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): Bhutan charges a USD 100 per night Sustainable Development Fee for foreign visitors. This fee helps fund education, health, infrastructure, and environmental protection projects. The fee was reduced from USD 200 in 2025 to make it more accessible while maintaining the country’s low-volume tourism policy.
• Guided Tour Mandate: All foreign tourists visiting Bhutan must book their travel through government-approved tour operators, which ensures that the tourism experience remains controlled and sustainable.
• Carbon-Neutral Tourism: Bhutan has set a goal of becoming the world’s first carbon-negative country, and tourism plays a key role in this effort. The revenue generated from tourism taxes helps offset carbon emissions and fund renewable energy and carbon sequestration projects.

Travel Tips for Tourists: How to Support Sustainable Tourism

As tourism becomes more regulated and destinations implement strict measures to preserve their environments and cultures, it’s crucial for travelers to adopt responsible practices. Here are some key tips to ensure you contribute positively to the destinations you visit:

1. Respect Visitor Quotas and Book in Advance: Many popular sites now have visitor limits and require advanced bookings. Always check if you need to secure a spot ahead of time, especially for places like Maya Bay in Thailand or Mount Fuji in Japan. This helps manage overcrowding and ensures that you don’t miss out on your experience.
2. Pay Environmental Levies: Many countries, including Bali and Bhutan, charge fees aimed at protecting the environment. These charges help fund vital conservation projects, so consider them an investment in the future of the places you love.
3. Opt for Eco-Friendly Accommodation: Look for hotels and accommodations that have green certifications or are actively involved in sustainable practices, such as energy-saving initiatives, water conservation, or waste reduction.
4. Limit Your Environmental Impact: Be mindful of your carbon footprint by choosing sustainable transportation options and reducing waste. Always respect local wildlife and habitats by sticking to marked trails and following guidelines for respectful interactions.
5. Support Local Communities: Choose local guides, artisans, and businesses to ensure your travel dollars stay within the community and directly benefit the people and places you visit.

Conclusion: A Regional Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

As tourism numbers surge globally, countries across Asia and the Pacific have started implementing stringent measures to curb overtourism, protect ecosystems, and ensure that future generations can enjoy their natural and cultural heritage. Iceland, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, and Bhutan are leading the way in enforcing sustainable practices, such as tourist levies, visitor caps, and conservation fees. These initiatives reflect a global shift toward sustainable tourism, where protecting the environment and local communities takes precedence over unchecked growth.

Iceland Joins Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Bhutan and Other Nations in Curbing Overtourism with Strict Access Rules, Fines, Environmental Levies, and Visitor Quotas for Sustainable Tourism. These countries are implementing strict measures to manage rising tourist numbers, reduce environmental degradation, and ensure that tourism remains beneficial for both local communities and the environment.

In 2025, the Asia-Pacific region is poised to set the standard for how destinations can balance tourism with sustainability, creating a model for the rest of the world to follow.