Louvre Strike Highlights Urgent Overtourism Crisis

The Louvre Museum in Paris closed unexpectedly on Monday after staff held a spontaneous strike, protesting unmanageable working conditions, chronic understaffing, and overwhelming crowds fueled by overtourism. Thousands of visitors were stranded outside with little explanation as unions described the situation as 'untenable' and demanded immediate relief. French President Emmanuel Macron recently announced the 'Louvre New Renaissance,' a decade-long renovation plan intended to address both overcrowding and deteriorating infrastructure. However, workers insist that urgent action is needed before the renovations are completed. The strike is part of a wider anti-overtourism movement across Europe, with similar protests occurring in cities like Venice and Barcelona. The rare closure underscores the urgent challenges posed by mass tourism to the world’s leading cultural landmarks.