Tourism often puts pressure on natural resources through over-consumption, often in places where resources are already scarce. Tourism puts enormous stress on local land use, and can lead to soil erosion, increased pollution, natural habitat loss, and more pressure on endangered species.

Tourism in 2026 faces the dual challenge of overtourism and environmental degradation. In cities like Venice, Barcelona, and Kyoto, an "unsustainable" volume of visitors has led to skyrocketing housing costs, as residential apartments are converted into short-term rentals (like Airbnb), effectively "hollowing out" local communities. Environmentally, mass tourism strains delicate ecosystems; for example, coral reef destruction in Southeast Asia and high carbon emissions from long-haul flights contribute significantly to climate change. There is also the problem of cultural commodification, where sacred traditions are performed as "cheap entertainment," losing their original meaning. Infrastructure in popular destinations often becomes overwhelmed, leading to water scarcity, waste management crises, and "tourist-focused" economies that leave locals struggling to afford basic goods. In response, many 2026 destinations have introduced tourist taxes, daily visitor caps, and "de-marketing" campaigns to encourage travelers to visit lesser-known "hidden gem" locations instead.