Some popular tourist destinations are now suffering from what is often called "overtourism". In historic city centres, narrow streets become crowded, rents rise as apartments are converted into short-term holiday rentals, and local residents sometimes feel that their neighbourhoods no longer belong to them. Authorities have tried several responses. Some cities have introduced a small entrance fee for day visitors, arguing that such visitors spend little money locally but add to congestion. Others have limited the number of cruise ships that can dock each day or restricted the opening of new hotels in the city centre. A few have launched campaigns encouraging tourists to visit less famous areas or to travel outside the peak summer season. The effectiveness of these measures is still debated. Entrance fees, for example, may be too small to change people's plans, and critics say they mainly serve to raise money. Nevertheless, supporters argue that the fees at least provide data on visitor numbers, which helps authorities plan transport and cleaning services. Most experts agree that no single policy will solve the problem.

Some cities have restricted the number of cruise ships that can dock each day.