≡-US, Canada, Greece, Spain and Other Major Destinations Tackle Overtourism with New Tourist Fees, Stricter Regulations and a Strong Focus on Sustainable Travel Practices: You Need to Know – Viral of Today

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Home » Greece » Greece Travel News » US, Canada, Greece, Spain and Other Major Destinations Tackle Overtourism with New Tourist Fees, Stricter Regulations and a Strong Focus on Sustainable Travel Practices: You Need to Know Tuesday, July 29, 2025With the world tourism industry on the rise, popular destinations such as the United States, Canada, Greece, Spain and other favorite travel spots are meeting the rising demands of overtourism. So in return, they are implementing new tourist taxes, tightening regulations and encouraging more sustainable travel. These are not only to regulate the environmental and social impacts of overcrowding, but also to ensure that tourism benefits the local population and natural and cultural values are conserved for future generations. As overtourism plays an ever-pressing issue, these moves reflect a much-needed pivot to more responsible, eco-conscious travel.Tackling Overtourism with New Fees and RegulationsOvertourism continues to pose challenges for popular destinations, especially in Europe, where several regions are implementing new strategies to manage excessive tourism. A major change this month involves the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), set to be introduced in late 2026. Originally expected to cost €7, the fee for travelers from visa-exempt countries will now increase to €20. While the rise is modest, it signals a shift toward stricter management of tourism flows into Europe, aiming to balance accessibility with responsible tourism practices.As part of broader efforts to curb overtourism, several European countries are also imposing stricter regulations to reduce negative tourist behavior. In Spain, new penalties for smoking on beaches, public urination, wearing inappropriate clothing in public, and engaging in excessive drunkenness have been introduced. Tourists caught breaking these rules could face fines of over €1,000, highlighting the growing pressure on travelers to respect local customs and the environment.Political Changes Impacting U.S. TourismIn the U.S., recent policy shifts are having a direct impact on the country’s tourism sector. The “Big Beautiful Bill” has significantly reduced funding for Brand USA, the U.S. government’s official tourism marketing body. Brand USA’s budget has been slashed from $100 million to just $20 million. This reduction is particularly significant given the timing, as the U.S. is seeking to leverage its tourism sector for key events like the country’s 250th anniversary and major global sporting events.The new visa integrity fee of $250, which will be added to existing visa application fees for international travelers, is another significant development. Although the fee is designed to improve the integrity of the visa process, the lack of transparency surrounding its implementation and use has raised concerns. While some speculate that it may be used to fund Brand USA’s initiatives, this remains uncertain.These changes are contributing to a decline in U.S. tourism, especially from Southeast Asia. A recent survey revealed that 80% of travelers from this region now perceive the U.S. as a less desirable destination, primarily due to concerns over discrimination and the country’s immigration policies. This trend is also reflected in Canada, where U.S.-bound travel has dropped significantly. In June, car trips to the U.S. fell by 33%, and air travel declined by 22%. International travel to the U.S. has decreased by 11% overall, signaling a shift in travel patterns.Additionally, the U.S. passport has slipped in global rankings, now tied for 10th place with countries like Iceland and Lithuania. Once considered the most powerful passport globally, this decline highlights the challenges the U.S. faces in maintaining its position as a top destination for international travelers.European Views on American TouristsA new survey conducted across Europe offers valuable insights into how American tourists are perceived abroad. According to the Upgraded Points survey, many Europeans associate American visitors with loud behavior, a lack of cultural sensitivity, and an insistence on speaking English, even in countries where English is not widely spoken. While 73% of Americans believe they have a poor reputation abroad, only 27% of Europeans agree. However, a more significant 36% of Europeans think that American tourists often behave worse than other visitors.Countries such as France, Hungary, and Norway reported the highest levels of dissatisfaction with American tourists, while Italy and Belgium expressed more favorable views. This contrast in attitudes emphasizes the need for American tourists to be mindful of cultural differences and respectful of local customs when traveling abroad.Focus on Sustainability and Responsible TourismSustainability continues to be a central theme in tourism, with many destinations taking steps to promote responsible travel. Greenland, which gained international attention due to political discussions surrounding its future, is positioning itself as a model for sustainable tourism. The country has unveiled a comprehensive ten-year tourism plan that emphasizes eco-friendly travel practices, including new flight routes, a growing cruise industry, and social media campaigns to raise awareness about its sustainability efforts.In the Caribbean, Conservation International has partnered with local tourism organizations to promote sustainable tourism practices. This collaboration aims to generate funding for conservation projects while encouraging travelers to adopt responsible behaviors that help protect the region’s fragile ecosystems.Closer to home, the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association has joined forces with Destinations International to promote Indigenous tourism. The partnership aims to showcase Indigenous cultures to the world while ensuring that local communities directly benefit from tourism. This effort supports responsible tourism by highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples and fostering sustainable development.Hawaii is also embracing a new approach to tourism known as regenerative tourism. Unlike traditional sustainable tourism, which focuses on minimizing harm, regenerative tourism seeks to actively restore and enhance local environments and communities affected by tourism. Hawaii’s tourism leaders are working to create a tourism model that benefits both the environment and local populations, setting a new standard for the industry.ConclusionThe events in tourism in July focus on the increased attention being paid to tackling overtourism, dealing with fresh political challenges and advocating the sustainability agenda. New fees and rules are rolling out to combat mass tourism backlash and political changes are affecting U.S. tourism tremendously. Similarly, many destinations are responding to the demand for sustainable, responsible tourism, and seeking to find a balance between economic growth and the preservation of the environment and culture. As the world of hospitality molds itself to fit what travelers want, the traveling public will need to be on top of this or find themselves stuck in an attenuating universe.

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