overtourism

[ oh-ver-toor-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. a situation in which too many tourists travel to a popular destination, causing the place to suffer negative environmental, economic, and sociocultural impacts:

   From packed viewpoints to water shortages, Santorini is the most visible face of overtourism in the Greek islands.

Word History and Origins

Origin of overtourism¹

First recorded in 1990–95; over- ( def ) + tourism ( def )

Example Sentences

"Venice has gone from being the city most exposed to and criticised for the phenomenon of overtourism, to being the city that is reacting to this phenomenon the earliest and most proactively on the global stage," said city councillor Simone Venturini.

From BBC

This week, John Dickerson returns and joins Emily Bazelon and David Plotz to discuss the Democratic National Convention; presidential polls; and overtourism.

From Slate

The crush of sightseers, known as overtourism, has grabbed headlines across the world.

From Los Angeles Times

The so-called "overtourism" phenomenon has prompted several cities around the world to make changes to the way they welcome tourists.

From BBC

Some officials, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, have raised concerns about overtourism.

From New York Times