Bruges, a charming medieval city nestled in the heart of Belgium, has long been a favorite destination for tourists seeking to explore its cobbled streets, picturesque canals, and rich historical heritage. Known for its world-famous chocolate, beer, and centuries-old architecture, Bruges has become one of Europe’s top city break destinations. However, in recent years, the city has been struggling with the consequences of overwhelming tourism.
The city’s tourism numbers have skyrocketed, attracting visitors from all over the world, particularly those looking for a romantic getaway or a cultural experience. While Bruges’ allure is undeniable, this surge has raised concerns about the sustainability of mass tourism in the area. In 2023 alone, Bruges welcomed a staggering 7.3 million day-trip visitors, which swelled to 10.2 million when including those who stayed for multiple days. These figures far exceed the city’s residential population, which is just under 120,000.
The strain on Bruges’ infrastructure, public services, and residential spaces has prompted concerns about the long-term effects of overtourism. Locals have begun to express frustration, as daily life in the city center becomes increasingly disrupted by the influx of visitors. The picturesque streets, once quiet in the early mornings and evenings, are now frequently crowded, and residents have to compete for space in cafes, shops, and on public transportation.
In response, the city council has introduced a series of new measures aimed at controlling the flow of tourists and mitigating the negative impacts of overtourism. One of the most significant steps Bruges has taken to limit tourism is the introduction of a ban on constructing new hotels within the historic center. By capping the number of accommodation options in the city, officials hope to limit the number of overnight visitors. This decision follows a broader trend in European cities where locals are grappling with how to manage mass tourism without completely shutting their doors to travelers.
In addition to the hotel ban, Bruges has also frozen the issuance of new permits for holiday homes across the entire city. Holiday homes and short-term rentals, often listed on platforms like Airbnb, have been a contentious issue in many popular tourist destinations. While these rentals provide income for property owners, they also contribute to housing shortages and rising rents for local residents, making it more difficult for people to afford living in the city center. By addressing the proliferation of holiday homes, Bruges aims to prevent further displacement of its residents and preserve the city’s unique character. The ban is a proactive move to protect residential neighborhoods from being overrun by short-term rental properties that cater primarily to tourists.
Bruges is also a frequent stop for cruise ships. However, the impact of cruise tourism has also come under scrutiny in recent years. Since 2019, Bruges has imposed a limit on the number of cruise ships that can dock at Zeebrugge, allowing a maximum of two ships per day. This policy was implemented to reduce the pressure of large groups of tourists arriving all at once, often overwhelming the city for a few hours before departing again. These “cruise day-trippers” typically flood the city’s main attractions, creating overcrowded conditions in key areas such as the Markt square, the Belfry, and the famous Rozenhoedkaai viewpoint. The cruise ship limits are part of a broader strategy to encourage visitors to spend more time in Bruges, exploring beyond the most popular landmarks and engaging with the city’s lesser-known treasures. By spreading out the flow of tourists, the city hopes to create a more sustainable and enjoyable experience for both visitors and locals.
Bruges is not the only European city facing the challenges of overtourism. Across the continent, other popular destinations are grappling with similar issues and have introduced their own measures to control visitor numbers. In Barcelona, for example, the local government has implemented strict regulations on short-term rentals, with plans to ban them entirely by 2029. The Spanish city has also raised its tourist tax, adding to the cost of staying in the city. This is part of a broader strategy to manage the impact of tourism on Barcelona’s infrastructure and housing market, which has been strained by the constant influx of visitors.
Italy, too, is considering raising its tourist tax, with some cities proposing fees of up to £21 per night for visitors. Venice, in particular, has been at the forefront of overtourism discussions for years. The city has trialed various solutions, including charging entrance fees and limiting the number of visitors allowed into the historic center each day. In Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, the rise of short-term rentals has also caused tensions between residents and tourists. Like Bruges, Lisbon has enacted regulations to control the growth of holiday homes and protect the availability of long-term rental properties for locals. The city has also increased its tourist tax in an effort to fund infrastructure improvements and mitigate the negative impacts of mass tourism.
New Zealand, despite being geographically distant from Europe, has also taken steps to control tourism numbers. The island nation, known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities, introduced a tourist tax in 2019 to help preserve its natural environment and support conservation efforts. The revenue from the tax is used to maintain national parks, protect biodiversity, and improve tourist facilities. In Bali, Indonesia, the government has imposed a tax on foreign visitors, and there have been discussions about further restricting access to certain popular sites, such as the island’s famous temples and beaches, to prevent damage from overcrowding.
As Bruges and other cities around the world continue to tackle the issue of overtourism, finding a balance between welcoming visitors and maintaining the quality of life for residents remains a top priority. While tourism brings significant economic benefits, it can also lead to unintended consequences, including the erosion of local culture, environmental degradation, and housing crises. The measures being implemented in Bruges are a step toward addressing these challenges and ensuring that the city remains an attractive destination for future generations of travelers, while also safeguarding the interests of those who call it home. By limiting hotel construction, freezing holiday home permits, and controlling cruise tourism, Bruges is setting a precedent for how historic cities can manage tourism responsibly in the face of increasing global travel demand. As more cities follow Bruges’ lead, it will be essential for policymakers to continue monitoring the effects of these regulations and adjust them as needed to strike the right balance between tourism and local sustainability. The hope is that these measures will allow Bruges to retain its charm and appeal for visitors while protecting the essence of what makes the city so special: its history, its residents, and its timeless beauty.
