Another beautiful European city has had enough of tourists and begun clamping down on "nuisance" day-trippers. Bruges in Belgium is facing a growing backlash against the influx of tourists. The city, which welcomes eight million visitors annually, along with an additional 1.2 million shoppers, is feeling the pressure. Over half of the tourists are foreigners, with Britons making up the majority.

To manage the crowds and fund the preservation of the city, taxes are being considered for day-trippers, particularly those arriving in large groups from cruise ships. Nearby Zeebrugge serves as a port for cruise ships, and when two dock simultaneously, up to 5,000 tourists can descend on Bruges at once.

Many are drawn to the city's medieval charm, while others are inspired by the crime thriller, In Bruges, featuring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.

These visitors often follow a quick itinerary that includes little more than a trip to a souvenir shop and a waffle before leaving.

In certain areas, such as Katelijnestraat, local shops have been replaced by souvenir stores selling cheap trinkets.

Tourism is a lucrative industry in Bruges. Last year, the sector generated a turnover of €542 million, with 6.8 million day-trippers and another 1.1 million overnight guests.

To cover infrastructure costs and reduce nuisance, the city plans to impose a £3.41 tax on day-trippers arriving by coach, mirroring the charge for those staying in hotels overnight.

Dirk De Fauw, the mayor of Bruges, conceded that measures must be taken to prevent a scenario like Dubrovnik, Croatia, where tourists outnumber locals by 27 to one.

He said: "It is not as bad in Bruges as in Dubrovnik or Venice. Our residents are important and they are gradually experiencing a level of nuisance."