As the travel industry recovers its pre-pandemic vitality, it comes as no shock that several renowned global destinations are confronting the resurgent issue of overtourism. According to a recent investigation conducted by MoneyTransfers.com, the idyllic Thai island of Phuket has garnered the rather undesirable distinction of being crowned the world’s most overcrowded tourist destination in 2023. While Phuket’s undeniable charm as a beach haven and lively entertainment hub continues to draw visitors, its overwhelming popularity has given rise to a pressing issue of overcrowding, with this tropical paradise now grappling with an unprecedented influx of tourists.
Why Phuket?
Phuket, a jewel in Thailand’s tourism crown, offers travellers over 90 kilometres of pristine coastline, making it a natural magnet for those seeking sun, sea, and sand. Among its myriad attractions, the beaches of Kata and Karon stand out as some of the most breathtaking in the world. These golden shores beckon sun worshippers and lure scuba diving enthusiasts into their azure depths. Moreover, Phuket boasts vibrant local markets and a plethora of delectable seafood restaurants that captivate the taste buds of visitors from across the globe. However, Phuket’s immense popularity has also led to challenges. The MoneyTransfers.com study reveals that for every local resident, the island plays host to a staggering 118 tourists. This overcrowding has spurred the Thai government to implement measures aimed at curbing tourist numbers.
Overtourism Beyond Phuket
While Phuket tops the list, other renowned destinations around the world are also struggling with overtourism. Bali, another Indonesian gem, has imposed various bans on tourist activities to regain control over its visitor numbers. In Europe, iconic cities like Venice, Athens, and Amsterdam have rolled out measures to preserve their heritage in the face of ever-increasing crowds. Venice, for instance, has introduced tourist taxes, while Athens’ historic Acropolis now imposes daily visitor limits. In Austria, local residents have even taken to the streets in protest against the overwhelming influx of tourists.
What is Overtourism?
Overtourism is used to describe a situation where a popular tourist destination becomes overwhelmed by an excessive number of visitors. It often leads to negative consequences for both the destination and the environment. While tourism can bring economic benefits to a region, overtourism occurs when those benefits are outweighed by the negative impacts on the environment, local culture, and residents’ quality of life.
The world’s most overcrowded destinations
Phuket, Thailand
Pattaya, Thailand
Krabi, Thailand
Mugla, Turkey
Hurghada, Turkey
Macau, China
Heraklion, Greece
Venice, Italy
Rhodes, Greece
Miami, USA
