China’s Lunar New Year Travel Rush Sets Record 9.5 Billion Trips
China’s annual Lunar New Year travel rush is underway, with a record 9.5 billion trips expected as millions endure long journeys home for the Spring Festival.
Overtourism refers to the excessive growth of tourism in a destination, resulting in strain on infrastructure, natural resources, and cultural heritage. It often manifests in overcrowded attractions, rising costs of living for residents, and environmental degradation. Cities like Venice, Barcelona, and Dubrovnik, as well as natural sites such as national parks, have become well-known examples. While tourism brings economic benefits, overtourism highlights the challenges of balancing visitor demand with sustainability and quality of life for local communities. Efforts to address overtourism include visitor caps, seasonal travel promotion, and the development of sustainable tourism policies.
China’s annual Lunar New Year travel rush is underway, with a record 9.5 billion trips expected as millions endure long journeys home for the Spring Festival.
A new international airport under construction near Machu Picchu could transform travel to Peru’s Sacred Valley, bringing economic growth alongside environmental and cultural concerns.
Japan’s battle with overtourism has reached a new turning point as Fujiyoshida cancels its famous Mount Fuji cherry blossom festival amid mounting pressure from record visitor numbers.
Rome has introduced a €2 entry fee for visitors approaching the Trevi Fountain during peak hours, aiming to reduce crowds and fund preservation of one of the city’s most visited landmarks.
Amsterdam is weighing a future without ocean cruise ships, with city officials exploring a potential ban by 2035 amid sustainability concerns and growing pressure to curb overtourism.
A new UN Tourism report highlights the world’s fastest-growing destinations in 2025, with strong rebounds across Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe.
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Rome will begin charging tourists a small fee to access the Trevi Fountain’s inner viewing area in 2026, aiming to reduce crowding and protect one of the city’s most visited landmarks.
Spain has imposed a €65 million fine on Airbnb for advertising tens of thousands of unlicensed tourist rentals, signaling a tougher stance on short-term rentals amid a growing housing crisis.
Japan is set to raise visa charges, departure levies and tax-free shopping rules in 2026 as travel demand surges and authorities shift toward sustainable tourism.