Are you planning a vacation to a tourist destination? You should think carefully about the destination you're going to. Traveling to popular tourist destinations is often a great experience, but it can also make us feel like sardines in a can.
While this is welcome news for businesses and travelers as travel has returned to pre-pandemic levels, the high number of tourists visiting popular destinations has created a serious problem called overtourism.
The report highlights the challenges these destinations are facing and how smart tourism management can help address this overcrowding problem. Some places have even been forced to take measures to control the rising number of overtourists.
An analysis by MoneyTransfers.com recently compiled a list of the world's most overcrowded tourist destinations, with Phuket, Thailand at the top of the list.
Phuket needs no introduction as an extremely popular tourist destination. The island is the largest in Thailand, with 90 kilometers of stunning beaches. Here you will find beaches that are famous among divers, such as Kata and Karon. Phuket is also known for its lively markets and delicious seafood.
However, statistics reveal another side to the island's tourist crowds. According to research, Phuket hosts approximately 118 tourists for every local resident. While Phuket dominates the list, Thailand also has two other overcrowded destinations, namely Pattaya and Krabi, which rank second and third on this list as very popular vacation destinations.
According to MoneyTransfers.com, here are the top ten most overcrowded tourist destinations in the world.
- Phuket, Thailand
- Pattaya, Thailand
- Krabi, Thailand
- Mugla, Turkey
- Hurghada, Turkey
- Macau, China
- Heraklion, Greece
- Venice, Italy
- Rhodes, Greece
- Miami, USA
The calculations for this list use international arrivals data from studies conducted by Euromonitor International and all population data and statistics from the World Population Review. These data are then used to calculate the estimated number of tourists per person living in each city and country.
According to Jonathan Merry, a travel expert at MoneyTransfers.com, the index highlights the high levels of foreign tourist visits in various cities around the world. He notes that while this can have benefits, such as a positive impact on the local economy, the excessive popularity and volume of tourists can create problems such as overcrowding and other negative impacts.
According to the published report, Phuket is highly sought after by visitors, especially during the holiday season, due to its stunning beaches and beautiful islands surrounding it. In addition, the enchanting nature of the region also adds to its appeal for tourists. On the other hand, Pattaya, in second place, is known for its vibrant nightlife, while Krabi, in third place, is famous for its unique limestone formations, exciting island tours and other exciting activities it offers.
