British holidaymakers are reconsidering their travel plans for 2025, with a new survey revealing that 68% of UK adults are now looking at alternative destinations to avoid areas affected by overtourism protests. The research, conducted by travel insurance company InsureandGo, highlights a significant shift in preferences as locals in popular European hotspots voice opposition to mass tourism.
The top five destinations Brits are hesitant to visit in 2025 are Barcelona, Majorca and Menorca, Venice, Amsterdam, and Marbella. Barcelona leads the list, with 45% of respondents expressing reluctance, followed by the Balearic islands at 35%, Venice at 26%, Amsterdam at 25%, and Marbella at 24%. These locations have seen protests over overcrowding, rising rents, and environmental damage.
Garry Nelson, head of corporate affairs at InsureandGo, noted that the protests are having a greater impact on holidaymaker choices than climate-related factors like extreme heat. He said: "If the protests result in people switching holiday destinations, the prospect of a changing holiday map for Europe would also have economic consequences for those places whose local economies rely on tourism."
The survey also found that 53% of respondents would be hesitant to visit a destination following local protests. This trend suggests a growing awareness among Brits of the social and environmental pressures caused by mass tourism, prompting a shift towards less crowded alternatives.
