A 2023 study by MoneyTransfers.com has identified the world's most overcrowded tourist destinations, with Thailand's Phuket leading the list. The research reveals that Phuket has a staggering 118 tourists for every local resident, making it the most crowded holiday spot globally.
Thailand dominates top three
Thailand claims the top three positions on the list. Pattaya ranks second, and Krabi third, both also suffering from severe overtourism. The country's stunning beaches, including Kata and Karon in Phuket, attract millions of visitors annually, leading to overcrowded shores, especially during peak season.
Other overcrowded destinations
Mugla and Hurghada in Turkey take the fourth and fifth spots, respectively. Macau, China, ranks sixth. Heraklion in Greece has 22 tourists per resident, placing seventh. Venice, Italy, follows with 21 tourists per local. Rhodes, Greece, and Miami, USA, round out the top ten, with over 20 and 18 tourists per resident, respectively.
Venice considers higher entry fee
Venice, which attracts around 30 million visitors annually, has been grappling with overtourism. In 2024, it became the first city to impose an entry fee, initially set at €5 on busy days from April to July. The charge later rose to €10 for last-minute visitors. Now, newly appointed mayor Simone Venturini plans to significantly increase the fee to as much as €50 to deter tourists and alleviate overcrowding.
