![What Should Be Done About Overtourism? [Video]](https://europenewsvideo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mp_1026090_0_JSC06010124DebateTNjpg.jpg)
In Athens, Greece, crowds pack in elbow to elbow to explore the ancient ruins of the Acropolis. In Paris, France, tens of thousands of people line up to glimpse the Mona Lisa, the world’s most famous painting. In Rome, Italy, masses of tourists jostle for selfies near the centuries-old Trevi Fountain.
And that’s just in one day. From 2021 to 2022, the number of visitors to Europe doubled. Nearly 90 million arrived in July 2023 alone, according to the World Tourism Organization. As a result, many treasured sites are suffering from overtourism.
Overtourism happens when too many people flock to a particular place, causing damage. Historical sites are especially at risk. Fragile ruins can wear away when too many people walk on them day after day, for example. Landmarks are also hurt by pollution, trash, and traffic that tourists bring with them.
“A lot of these places were not designed to …
![Europe’s far right groups launch unofficial campaign for the European Union elections Boston 25 News [Video]](https://europenewsvideo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mp_1044148_0_Q2UH252E5VXMQ6TJM2JZXCJJLAjpg.jpg)
![French soldiers patrol New Caledonia after six people were killed in six days of riots • FRANCE 24 [Video]](https://europenewsvideo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mp_1044289_0_0jpg.jpg)
![Knifeman shot dead by police while trying to burn down a synagogue ‘was Algerian, 29, who was due to be deported but had launched a legal appeal’ [Video]](https://europenewsvideo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mp_1041255_0_850055390imagea721715954646865jpg.jpg)
![France imposes curfew in New Caledonia after unrest by people who have long sought independence WPXI [Video]](https://europenewsvideo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mp_1035061_0_stationfallbackpng.jpg)