Paris, Venice, and the Canary Islands Face Growing Overtourism Crisis — Is 2026 the Year to Rethink Your Vacation Plans?

Published on December 2, 2025

Paris, Venice, and the Canary Islands face a growing overtourism crisis — is 2026 the year to rethink your vacation plans? As global travel rebounds, these once-idyllic destinations are buckling under the weight of mass tourism. With millions flocking to their famous landmarks and pristine beaches, the impact on local communities, the environment, and infrastructure is undeniable. Paris, once a symbol of romance and culture, now struggles with overcrowded streets and rising costs that threaten its authenticity. Venice, beloved for its canals and historical beauty, faces the destruction of its delicate ecosystem as cruise ships flood the city, causing irreparable damage. Meanwhile, the Canary Islands, known for their natural landscapes and warm weather, are seeing their resources stretched thin, with residents protesting the rapid rise in tourist numbers. As these destinations continue to grapple with the effects of overtourism, travelers are left questioning whether these once-popular spots are still worth the visit — or if it’s time to explore alternative, less-crowded destinations.

Paris, Venice, and the Canary Islands Face Growing Overtourism Crisis — Is 2026 the Year to Rethink Your Vacation Plans?

As global tourism continues to recover post-pandemic, iconic destinations like Paris, Venice, and the Canary Islands are facing an increasing strain from overtourism. These once-peaceful havens are now dealing with overcrowding, environmental degradation, and rising costs, affecting both locals and travelers alike. With major cities and tourist hotspots on Fodor’s 2026 “No List,” it’s time for travelers to pause and reassess their vacation plans. Let’s dive into how overtourism is reshaping the future of travel in these regions, what it means for the hospitality and airline industries, and how tourists can be part of the solution.

Paris Struggles with Overcrowding: A Shift in the Parisian Experience

Paris, the city of love, lights, and culture, has long been one of the world’s most visited destinations. In 2024, Paris welcomed a staggering 35 million international visitors, making it the most visited city in the world. However, this surge in tourism has brought unintended consequences. The city’s famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Montmartre are no longer just tourist attractions; they are often overrun with crowds, making it difficult for locals and travelers to experience the authentic Parisian lifestyle.

The impact on local businesses has been significant. Small shops and cafes are being replaced by souvenir stalls and mass-market establishments. Rents have skyrocketed, pushing out residents who can no longer afford to live in their own neighborhoods. Montmartre, for instance, has seen a 20% rise in rent prices in the last five years, pushing locals to protest against the displacement caused by rising tourism demand. Many Parisians argue that the essence of their neighborhoods is being lost to the overwhelming presence of tourists, and some even refer to areas like Montmartre as “unlivable.”

From a tourist’s perspective, the once charming Parisian streets are becoming increasingly congested. Long lines at major attractions, inflated prices, and the sense of an overly commercialized city are creating a less-than-ideal vacation experience. While there’s no denying Paris’s appeal, travelers in 2026 will need to prepare for a different kind of Paris experience—one that might involve crowds, rising costs, and a lack of authentic local flavor.

Venice’s Overtourism Crisis: Will the City of Canals Survive?

Venice, known for its romantic canals and historical architecture, has also become a casualty of overtourism. In 2024, Venice saw nearly 25 million visitors, many of whom came via massive cruise ships that dock at the heart of the city, contributing significantly to the overcrowding. The city’s delicate infrastructure, built on a series of islands, is struggling to support this influx of tourists. Not only are the crowds overwhelming the small streets, but the environmental impact is also significant.

The canals, which are the lifeblood of Venice, are suffering from the wear and tear of countless tourist boats and cruise ships. These vessels create waves that erode the city’s ancient foundations and damage the fragile ecosystem of the lagoon. In addition to the environmental degradation, the rising number of tourists has led to increased prices, making it difficult for locals to afford everyday goods and housing.

The Venetian government has begun implementing measures to curb overtourism, such as charging a fee for day-trippers and limiting the number of cruise ships allowed in the city. However, these measures have had limited success in reducing the number of tourists. Venice remains a must-see destination for travelers, but the question remains: at what cost? For travelers planning to visit Venice in 2026, it’s crucial to prepare for a more regulated, potentially less enjoyable experience. With the added tax on day visitors, travelers may feel the pinch of rising costs on top of the already expensive nature of Venetian tourism.

The Canary Islands: A Double-Edged Sword for Tourists and Locals

The Canary Islands, a popular destination for sun-seekers, have been experiencing a surge in tourism that is putting both the environment and local communities under pressure. With nearly 15 million visitors in 2024, the islands are struggling to cope with the rising demand for tourism. The issue has been exacerbated by short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, which have driven up housing costs and contributed to the displacement of locals.

Overcrowding on beaches, the exploitation of water resources, and an increase in waste have all become pressing concerns. In some areas, the environment is bearing the brunt of mass tourism, with fragile ecosystems being damaged by unregulated tourism activities. In response, local governments have introduced measures to limit tourist numbers, such as increasing taxes on short-term rentals and limiting the development of new tourist resorts.

The influx of tourists has also led to a booming hospitality sector, with hotels and resorts seeing record profits. However, the strain on local infrastructure and services is starting to show. For instance, traffic congestion during peak season has become a major issue, with roads often clogged with rental cars and buses. Public services such as waste disposal and water management are struggling to keep up with the rising demand.

For travelers, the Canary Islands may seem like an idyllic beach getaway, but it’s becoming clear that the experience is not without its challenges. Overcrowded beaches, higher accommodation costs, and an increasing reliance on mass tourism are making it harder to experience the islands’ natural beauty in a sustainable way. Travelers in 2026 will need to plan their visits carefully, taking into account the environmental and social impact of their stay.

How Airlines and the Hospitality Industry Are Responding

The airline and hospitality industries are feeling the effects of overtourism as well. Airlines are flying more routes to popular destinations like Paris, Venice, and the Canary Islands to meet demand, but this is only adding to the overcrowding and strain on local resources. Airlines such as Air France, easyJet, and Ryanair are seeing more passengers than ever before, and with this surge comes the environmental impact of increased carbon emissions. In response, some airlines are beginning to offer more sustainable travel options, such as carbon offset programs and flights to less crowded destinations.

In the hospitality industry, major hotel chains like Hilton, Marriott, and Accor are adapting to the changing landscape of tourism. While these companies continue to profit from the influx of tourists, they are also being forced to reconsider their role in overtourism. Some hotel chains are investing in eco-friendly practices, offering sustainability initiatives, and promoting off-season travel to help spread the visitor load. Others are increasing their prices in response to higher demand, which could price out budget-conscious travelers.

However, the tourism industry’s response to overtourism has been mixed. While some companies are taking steps to promote sustainability and responsible travel, others are still heavily reliant on high tourist volumes to stay profitable. As a result, the industry is at a crossroads, where sustainable practices must be embraced if tourism is to remain viable in the long term.

What Travelers Can Do to Help Mitigate Overtourism

As travelers, we have a responsibility to consider the impact our vacations have on the destinations we visit. Overtourism not only damages the environment but also puts local communities at risk. To mitigate the effects of overtourism, travelers can:

• Travel off-season: Avoid peak travel times and consider visiting destinations during the off-season. This not only helps reduce pressure on local infrastructure but also offers a more relaxed and authentic experience.
• Support local businesses: Instead of staying in large hotel chains or tourist-oriented shops, seek out locally-owned accommodations and businesses. This ensures that your money benefits the local community and helps preserve the destination’s authenticity.
• Choose sustainable transportation options: Opt for public transport or bicycles instead of renting cars. Airlines and transport companies are increasingly offering carbon offset programs, so be sure to take advantage of these initiatives.
• Respect local culture and environment: Follow sustainable travel practices, such as minimizing waste, avoiding damage to natural sites, and respecting local customs and traditions.

Rethink Your 2026 Travel Plans

As overtourism continues to affect destinations like Paris, Venice, and the Canary Islands, travelers need to think carefully about their 2026 vacation plans. While these destinations remain iconic and worth visiting, the strain on local resources, the environment, and the hospitality sector means that a different approach is required. By traveling responsibly, supporting local communities, and embracing sustainable tourism practices, travelers can help ensure that these destinations remain accessible and enjoyable for future generations.

For those planning to visit these popular spots, it’s essential to stay informed about the challenges they face and make choices that support sustainable tourism. Whether it’s opting for less crowded alternatives, traveling during off-peak times, or choosing eco-friendly accommodation and transport options, every decision counts. The future of tourism depends on how we act today—let’s make sure we’re part of the solution, not the problem.

Paris, Venice, and the Canary Islands face a growing overtourism crisis — is 2026 the year to rethink your vacation plans? With overcrowding, environmental damage, and rising costs, these iconic destinations may no longer offer the authentic travel experience they once did.

With the right mindset and planning, 2026 can still be the year of unforgettable travel—just with a little more thought and care for the places we love.