The strangest measures against tourist behavior for 2025

2025-06-12 16:14:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Efforts to curb visitor numbers have made headlines in the media thanks to uncontrolled opinion from both officials and residents.

The summer of 2024 was a turning point for many destinations in Europe, as the growing number of visitors made tourism a burden rather than a benefit.

As mass tourism shows no signs of slowing down in 2025, many hotspots have introduced measures to mitigate its negative effects.

Some moves seemed clear: limiting cruise ships, increasing tourist taxes, and limiting the number of visitors.

Here are some of the strangest anti-bullying measures taken so far this year.

Notting Hill residents paint iconic houses black

Notting Hill, a neighborhood in West London, first gained tourist fame in the 1990s thanks to the romantic film of the same name starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.

Recently, its caramel-colored houses have made the area a social media favorite.

But the influx of tourists has begun to frustrate residents, who are raising complaints about litter, noise and a lack of privacy. Locals report incidents of influencers walking up to their doorsteps to take photos, setting up picnics and even asking a homeowner to come inside so they don't ruin the photo.

Now, some residents have started painting their homes in less attractive colors like black and gray to discourage tourists.

Homeowners have also erected signs drawing attention to them, reading "Quiet Zone."

Police check the shoes of hikers in Cinque Terre, Italy

Italy's Cinque Terre is famous for its sun-drenched villages perched on cliffs, connected by breathtaking hiking trails.

The hiking trails attract thousands of visitors in spring and summer, to the extent that the Cinque Terre national park authorities have been forced to take safety measures.

In addition to introducing one-way systems, park authorities banned open-toed or smooth-soled shoes (like flip-flops) in 2019. Inappropriate footwear can cost a would-be hiker a fine ranging from 50 to 2,500 euros.

In the latest online guidelines for visiting the park, officials now say police will conduct checks to ensure walkers are properly equipped.

Barcelona creates a special selfie zone at Sagrada Familia

Until recently, Plaça Gaudí, the square in front of the Sagrada Familia church, was used by tourists for a TikTok trend that caused considerable disruption. This involved visitors placing their phones on the metro escalators to film themselves as the iconic monument appeared in the background. The trend led to tourists blocking the station exits and was eventually banned.

The Barcelona city council has decided to build a special area near the Sagrada Familia where visitors can rest a bit and take a selfie before entering the church.

The 6,200 square metre 'antique' will be located between the basilica's Nativity façade and Plaça Gaudí on Carrer de la Marina.

Benidorm takes tough measures against mobility scooter rentals

In the Spanish resort town of Benidorm, authorities have announced heavy fines for the inappropriate use of mobility scooters.

Police say the tourists rented the vehicles for fun and without proper insurance, driving at dangerous speeds.

The council has now stressed that the use of mobility scooters is strictly limited to those with a genuine need.

Visitors who violate the rules face fines of up to 500 euros./ CNA