As global tourism has resumed and intensified following the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan has experienced a dramatic increase in inbound travel. By 2024, the number of international visitors had exceeded pre-pandemic levels, reaching a historic high.
Worldwide, this resurgence has led to overcrowding, traffic congestion, and pressure on local infrastructure in tourist destinations, increasingly disrupting the daily lives and well-being of residents. These issues are commonly referred to as "overtourism."
In this issue, we report on the current state of overtourism and recent policy developments in Europe by studying measures implemented in major destinations such as Barcelona and Venice. We examine the principles and strategies behind these responses, focusing on efforts to rebalance tourism and local life.