Italy Faces Alarming Environmental Decline In The Dolomites As Mass Tourism Puts Immense Strain On The Region’s Fragile Ecosystems

Published on July 24, 2025

The Dolomites, a stunning range of high-altitude snowcapped peaks and rolling green valleys in Italy, is in the throes of a new threat as it becomes rapidly overtrampled by droves of tourists and social media influencers. Silent vistas are now crowded and damaging to the natural values of this unique environment. With social media promoting a quest form perfect shots, the demand for golden hour and picturesque opportunities is floodng the area with visitors, and in the process, potentially destroying an area for the locals. The booming tourism, with millions of people rushing to the area, is challenging the infrastructure, increasing real estate prices and clogging up trails. The influx of tourists is also causing increasing worry about the future of the Dolomites and demands that sustainable measures must be found for dealing with the masses of the visitors and protecting the landscape.

The Dolomites, a stunning mountain range in Italy, known for its snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys, is fast becoming a crowded tourist hotspot. As social media influencers and tourists alike flock to the region to capture picturesque moments for Instagram, the area’s delicate ecosystem is coming under increasing pressure.

The number of visitors to the Dolomites has surged in recent years, creating significant challenges for the environment and the local population. Trentino Alto Adige, the region where the Dolomites are located, received a record 34 million visitors in 2022, and locals claim that the numbers have only risen since then. This flood of visitors poses a serious threat to the natural beauty and wildlife that make the region so unique.

Tourism in the Dolomites has reached a tipping point, according to local authorities. The region’s infrastructure is struggling to cope with the influx of tourists, especially during peak seasons. Cable car operators, for example, have considered tripling the capacity of their chairlifts to accommodate more people. The number of Airbnbs in the area has surged by 400 percent in just five years, adding to the strain. The result has been skyrocketing housing prices, increased traffic congestion, and the rising cost of everyday essentials for locals.

Historically, the Dolomites have attracted hikers, campers, and nature lovers. However, the region is now drawing in a new breed of visitors—social media influencers, content creators, and even TikTok-famous celebrities. This shift in the type of tourists visiting the area has had a profound impact on the landscape. The Dolomites recently went viral on social media, but not for the scenic views one might expect. Influencers posted pictures and videos showing crowded trails, long lines, and mobs of people blocking the way to the high-altitude lakes the area is famous for.

Locals are now pushing back against the crowds by sharing their own photos of the area, showing the masses of people that have descended on what was once a peaceful retreat. One video, in particular, went viral, showing a hiking trail completely blocked by tourists, all waiting for a chance to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking mountains. The video highlights how overcrowding has become a serious issue in the Dolomites.

Environmentalists have raised alarms over the impact the growing number of visitors is having on the local ecosystem. Overcrowding could lead to irreversible damage to the plant and animal life that thrives in the region. In addition to the environmental concerns, some tourists are also expressing frustration with the crowds. Many visitors, once enamored with the idea of visiting the Dolomites, are now discouraged by the overwhelming number of people and the lack of space to enjoy the natural beauty in peace.

In response to the growing discontent, some locals have proposed changes to manage the influx of tourists. One suggestion involves charging a small entry fee—about five euros (roughly \$6)—to access the trails in an effort to control the number of visitors. This fee could help limit the crowds while also generating revenue for the maintenance and protection of the area’s natural resources.

This is not the first time that Italians have voiced their concerns about the impact of tourism on their country’s natural landscapes. In recent months, protests have erupted in ski resort towns, with locals taking a stand against the increasing commercialization of their environment. During the winter, protesters wrote “too much” in bright red letters across the snow-covered mountains to make their point clear.

The backlash against mass tourism is not confined to Italy. Across Europe, similar protests have sparked anger among locals who feel that their communities are being overrun by tourists. In 2024, Europe saw a staggering 747 million international visitors, making it the most visited region in the world. Countries like Spain, Italy, and France have borne the brunt of this tourism boom. Paris, which hosted the 2024 Olympics, saw 100 million international visitors, while Spain welcomed nearly 94 million—double its own population.

Barcelona, a city notorious for its anti-tourism movement, has seen protests involving water guns, where activists target tourists while holding signs that read, “One more tourist, one less resident!” The sentiment is clear—locals are tired of the overwhelming presence of tourists and are pushing for changes to protect their homes and communities.

The Dolomites are rapidly becoming overcrowded as tourists and social media influencers flock to capture picturesque moments, posing significant risks to the region’s natural environment and local way of life due to the overwhelming influx of visitors.

The increased visitorship to the Dolomites and other popular European spots is a microcosm of a larger global tourism trend. As much as tourism is an economic driver, it is clear more and more that many destinations are overcrowded. So how we manage them amidst soaring tourism crowds, and what can we do to balance people’s desire for travel while protecting what we hold most dear in our natural and built environments? Perhaps the key lies in developing sustainable tourism, one which is respectful of the environment and local people. Until then, places like the Dolomites will continue to struggle to find ways to both accommodate increasing numbers of visitors and protect their unique scenery from them.