A recent study by Money Transfers finds in Phuket, 118 tourists visit for every resident, while 8 million travelers visit Miami yearly.
Social media timelines filled with must-visit destinations, cheap flights, readily available accommodation, and an insatiable appetite to explore the world lead to overcrowded cities worldwide. Overtourism has led to environmental emergencies, irreversible damage to historical landmarks, and tension within local communities.
At what point does tourism stop being beneficial and create problems? Issues arise when the tourists outnumber the locals, as many places are now finding out.
Here are the top 10 most overtouristed cities in the world.
Phuket, Thailand
Phuket, Thailand, one of the most beautiful destinations in Southeast Asia, is the world’s most overcrowded destination. This famous island’s diverse cultures, historic architecture, pristine beaches, and vibrant nightlife draw almost 10 million people yearly.
Money Transfer’s research found Phuket welcomes a mind-blowing 118.5 tourists for every inhabitant. Unfortunately, overtourism dulls the shine of one of Asia’s most serene tourist destinations. The city’s infrastructure and environment struggle to meet demand; the city’s roads, water supply, and waste management suffer greatly from demand despite increased tourism revenue.
Pattaya, Thailand
Unfortunately for Thailand, the Gulf Coast city of Pattaya is another of the world’s most overtouristed cities. Like Phuket, Pattaya’s tourists outnumber locals 98.7-to-1. The city’s beloved picturesque coastline, breathtaking beaches, and lively nightlife draw travelers worldwide.
In the 1960s, Pattaya was a sleepy fishing village. Today, high-rise properties and resort hotels line the shore. Present-day Pattaya is a far cry from its tranquil past; the once-quiet streets are 24-hour clubbing destinations, and the lush countryside now features several world-class golf courses.
Krabi, Thailand
Krabi is another not-so-hidden Thai gem suffering from overtourism. While its pristine beaches and beautiful landscapes are less busy than Phuket’s, its 72.2-to-1 tourist-resident ratio makes it the third most overtouristed destination in the world.
Krabi and Phuket both serve as gateways for day trips to iconic Maya Bay, seen in 2000’s Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach. The production’s speedboats and hordes of tourists led to severe environmental damage, with only 8% of corals remaining in 2018.
The authorities later decided to close the bay for four years, replanting more than 30,000 pieces of coral. The bay now closes annually during the monsoon period, allowing nature to restore itself.
Mugla, Turkey
Muğla, the first city in the Money Transfers report not in Thailand, is a province in Southwestern Turkey. The report ranks Muğla as the fourth most overtouristed city in the world, welcoming an estimated 40 tourists per inhabitant. These figures may come as a surprise to many people as the town is relatively unheard of.
However, the province is home to some of Turkey’s most popular summer vacation destinations, including Bodrum, Fethiye, and Marmaris. Bodrum alone welcomes more than 5 million visitors yearly. Overtourism in Muğla has led to overcrowding, increased prices, and a lack of accommodation for locals. In response, Turkey introduced a tourist tax to deal with related issues and protect the city’s authentic charm.
Hurghada, Egypt
Hurghada, a coastal city along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, has grown from “hidden gem” to one of the most overtouristed cities. This resort town boasts stunning beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters and world-class scuba diving and snorkeling.
The city also offers travelers many restaurants, nightclubs, and an Old Town (“El Dahar”) to explore. However, overtourism in Hurghada means tourists outnumber residents 28.6-to-1. This increase in tourism means crowded beaches, more private resort areas, and overpriced shops and restaurants. Some tourists also report local vendors “fighting” over tourists.
Macao, China
The autonomous region of Macao, sometimes called the “Las Vegas of Asia,” sits across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong. This city houses world-class casinos, lively nightlife, and fascinating Portuguese colonial architecture.
The iconic Macao Tower is one of the city’s best highlights. Despite having a population of approximately 700,000, Macao receives an estimated 18.9 million international visitors yearly. As a result, there are roughly 27 tourists per Macao inhabitant.
According to Worldometer, Macao is among Earth’s most densely populated places. These figures may deter potential tourists with claustrophobia, as they’ll quickly feel overwhelmed.
Heraklion, Greece
Heraklion, Crete’s capital and largest city, might not be the first place people think about when planning a trip to Greece. Most people opt for iconic destinations like Santorini, Athens, and Mykonos, but the city still welcomes more than 6.5 million people yearly.
Heraklion natives have to share their home’s history and culture with the large crowds descending on the city — around 22 tourists per resident. While Crete doesn’t have the same overtourism issues as other places, implementing a sustainable tourism development plan may prevent future problems, such as increased living costs.
Venice, Italy
Venice, a famous island city in Italy, is one of the world’s most overtouristed cities. The report found tourists outnumber locals 21-to-1, leading to several overtourism issues, including overcrowding, unexpected hotel construction, and landmark damage.
Additionally, the city’s decision to charge tourists a $5.60 entry fee caused tension and protests among locals. To make matters worse, rising sea levels are sinking Venice, and the construction of new hotels destroys wildlife habitats. The city even banned cruise ships from the historic center to control tourist numbers. All in all, Venetians are suffering immensely.
Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes is one of the most popular and affordable islands in Greece. It is a favorite destination for its medieval architecture and beautiful beaches. However, according to Money Transfers, annual tourists outweigh locals 20.3-to-1.
Despite the economic benefits, overtourism has strained infrastructure, overcrowded attractions, and complicated housing affordability. The Greek government introduced measures to combat overtourism, such as daily limits on cruise ship arrivals and a climate crisis tax on hotel stays.
Miami, Florida, United States
Miami, officially the City of Miami, is among the world’s top 10 most overtouristed cities. This lively Florida locale, one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S., boasts vibrant nightlife, picturesque boardwalk, diverse cultures, and beautiful beaches. However, overtourism has negatively impacted the city, leading to increased house prices, living costs, and antisocial behavior rates.
According to Payscale, the current cost of living in Miami is 18% higher than the national average. Unsurprisingly, this also strains the city’s natural resources. More than 8 million people visit Miami yearly. Considering the city’s population of approximately 450,000, there are roughly 18.6 tourists per inhabitant.
