From Italy To Mexico, Famous Tourist Hubs Are Implementing Cruise Travel Restrictions; Here’s Why

In the last few years, cruising has become one of the most popular parts of the global travel industry. In fact, the global cruise industry is likely to grow at least 10% by 2028. However, not everyone is happy with this growth. Overtourism is one of the biggest concerns caused by the rising cruise industry, and many popular tourist hubs like the US, Italy, and Mexico are implementing cruise travel restrictions to handle it. Scroll on to know more about this.

Rising Demand For Cruise Travel & Contribution To Overtourism

According to Travel and Tour World, to safeguard ecosystems, cultural heritage, and the quality of life of the residents, many countries are introducing new regulations and restrictions to handle the growing cruise travel. This includes countries like the US, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Mexico, French Polynesia, and France.

As per reports, they have taken this step to handle overtourism, reduce environmental damage, and protect local communities from the strain caused by large cruise ships. Mass tourism is a growing concern for several countries. In North America, cruise bookings rose by 17% between 2019 and 2023 and this demand is increasing throughout the world and local communities aren’t thrilled with the influx of cruise tourists.

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How Each Country Is Implementing The Restriction

Here’s all you need to know about how the following countries are implementing cruise travel restrictions to handle overtourism-

1. USA – Several ports in the country are adopting new policies to limit the number of cruise tourists. Their aim is to reduce overcrowding and minimise the impact of tourism on local communities.
2. Italy – The Italian government has banned cruise ships with over 25,000 gross tons from entering the Giudecca Canal and docking near the historic centre of Venice.
3. Netherlands – From 2026, Amsterdam plans to reduce the number of cruise ships to just 100 per year, from the current 190.
4. Spain – Palma de Mallorca has implemented a five-year agreement to limit the number of cruise ships arriving daily.
5. Mexico – To protect Cozumel’s fragile ecosystems, Mexico will be limiting the number of cruise ships that can dock on the island. This will also reduce the pressure of cruise tourism places on the island’s environment.
6. French Polynesia – Bora Bora is already limiting cruise ship calls to 1,200 passengers per day. This cap is helping protect the island’s lagoon and reducing the strain of overtourism.
7. France – From new regulations to ban cruise ships longer than 190 meters, Marseille and Nice are also looking for ways to implement cruise travel restrictions.

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So, if you’re travelling to one of these countries soon, then please stay updated on all these changing rules while planning your trip.

Cover Image Courtesy: Flickr (representative image)