The list emphasized how the effects of mass tourism are gradually deteriorating many of the most cherished travel destinations.
Tourism is experiencing a robust revival after the pandemic, with travelers enthusiastic about discovering new places and revisiting beloved ones. The travel sector is seeing a surge in reservations and activities. Nevertheless, the swift return of tourism has also underscored the issue of overtourism in specific well-liked locations.
Shedding light on this matter, a study conducted by MoneyTransfers.com has recently unveiled the world’s most overcrowded tourist destinations. This research compared the number of tourists to the local population of renowned tourist hotspots.
MoneyTransfers.com’s research crowned the Thai island of Phuket as the world’s most overcrowded tourist destination in 2023. As the travel industry returns to pre-pandemic levels, renowned locations are grappling with overtourism. Phuket, Thailand’s beloved destination for beach vacations and world-famous parties, leads the list, followed by Pattaya and Krabi, both in Thailand.
The severity of overcrowding in some places has led governments to implement measures to manage tourist numbers. Bali, Venice, Athens, and Amsterdam are among the destinations that have introduced restrictions or taxes to address overtourism. Protests by Austrian residents have also arisen due to an influx of visitors.
In the UK, Edinburgh Castle has become the most overcrowded tourist attraction, while Bath holds the title of the most overcrowded city. Returning to Phuket, it’s no surprise given its stunning 90 km of coastline, including the renowned Kata and Karon beaches, popular for scuba diving, colorful markets, and exceptional seafood restaurants.
According to the study, Phuket hosts approximately 118 tourists for every local resident, securing its position as the top overcrowded destination. The rankings continue with Pattaya and Krabi in second and third place, respectively.
Here are the top 10 most overcrowded destinations in the world:
1. Phuket, Thailand
2. Pattaya, Thailand
3. Krabi, Thailand
4. Mugla, Turkey
5. Hurghada, Turkey
6. Macau, China
7. Heraklion, Greece
8. Venice, Italy
9. Rhodes, Greece
10. Miami, USA
As tourism makes a triumphant return after the pandemic, the challenge of overcrowding in popular destinations has become increasingly evident. MoneyTransfers.com’s research for 2023 identified Phuket, Thailand, as the world’s most overcrowded tourist destination, reflecting the struggle many iconic places are facing with overtourism.
Phuket, renowned for its picturesque coastline, beaches, and vibrant nightlife, takes the top spot, followed closely by Pattaya and Krabi, also in Thailand. Overtourism has become so pronounced in some areas that governments have had to intervene with measures to control visitor numbers.
This global issue extends to various parts of the world, including Bali, Venice, Athens, Amsterdam, and even Edinburgh in the UK, which is now home to the most overcrowded tourist attraction. While these destinations grapple with the challenges of popularity, they also seek to strike a balance between welcoming tourists and preserving the charm and sustainability of their locales.
As travellers flock to these beloved spots, local authorities, governments, and residents are faced with the ongoing task of managing over-tourism and ensuring that these destinations remain enjoyable for future generations.
❤ HAPPY TRAVELS! ❤