Not everyone will be able to enter the European island. Restrictions have been introduced

Europe is fighting overtourism in every possible way. The capital of the Netherlands is not planning to build any new hotels, and one of the most beautiful cities in Italy will soon raise the entrance fee to the city centre from €5 to €10. The French island of Ile-de-Bréhat off the north coast of Britain has gone a step further and decided to introduce a top-down limit on visits. From now until 23 August, no more than 4,700 people will be allowed on the island between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Restrictions on the island of Ile-de-Bréhat

Tourists who decide to travel to the Ile-de-Bréhat island during this year’s summer vacation may not be allowed in. Mayor Olivier Carré has decided that from Monday, July 22nd to August 23rd inclusive, the island will be subject to a visitor limit. Between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., 4,700 people (excluding residents and workers) will be allowed on the Ile-de-Bréhat. The restrictions have been introduced to protect the well-being of the 400 residents who live on the small French island.

Tourists should also be pleased

The positive change is also expected to be felt by visitors themselves. “We’re not really trying to stop people from coming – we just want to make sure they have a better time when they do,” the mayor said. Carré added that last year, the problem with overtourism was really bad. If more than five thousand people came to the island, there was nowhere to park. Local restaurants were also full, there were no bike rentals, and the pedestrian paths were overcrowded. “As many as 30 percent of visitors were unhappy with their visit,” we read. Now, ferry companies bringing tourists will be responsible for controlling the number of visitors. Interestingly, the limits will apply on all days except weekends. The mayor promised residents that they will not feel the impact of the changes on the economy.