Dolomites face visitor pressures as overtourism strains mountain infrastructure

The Guardian's travel correspondent reported that the Dolomites have experienced record visitor numbers in recent months, with popular peaks drawing significant daily traffic. Local authorities, backed by environmental groups cited across European press coverage, are exploring options to manage visitor flows and prevent further degradation of trails and alpine meadows.

The region's tourism economy faces challenges from visitor volume. Water scarcity has been documented during summer months as hotels, mountain refuges and restaurants compete with natural springs. Waste management in remote areas and overcrowding at cable car stations have emerged as concerns.