Managing overtourism an increasing feature of global travel

LONDON — Venice is planning to divert massive cruise liners. Barcelona has cracked down on apartment rentals.

Both are at the forefront of efforts to get a grip on “overtourism,” a phenomenon that can disrupt communities, imperil fragile buildings and harm the experience of travellers.

Tourism-phobia has become prevalent in popular destinations, particularly major cities in Europe where visitors often congregate at the same places at the same time.

Slogans such as “Tourists Go Home” and “Tourists Are Terrorists” have been heard, a clear sign of a backlash.