A 2023 study by MoneyTransfers.com has identified the world's most overcrowded tourist destinations, with Phuket, Thailand, taking the top spot. The research reveals that Phuket has 118 tourists for every local resident, making it the most packed destination globally.
Thailand Dominates the List
Thailand claims three of the top ten spots, with Pattaya and Krabi ranking second and third respectively. Pattaya sees 98 tourists per local, while Krabi has 84. The country's stunning beaches, including Kata and Karon, attract millions of visitors annually, leading to crowded shores, especially during peak season.
Other Overcrowded Destinations
Mugla, Turkey, ranks fourth with 38 tourists per resident, followed by Hurghada, Egypt, with 34. Macau, China, has 30 tourists per local. Heraklion, Greece, sees 22 tourists per resident, while Venice, Italy, has 21. Rhodes, Greece, and Miami, USA, round out the top ten with 20 and 18 tourists per local respectively.
Venice Considers Higher Tourist Levy
Venice, which became the first city to introduce an entry fee in 2024, is now considering a significant increase. Mayor Simone Venturini has proposed raising the levy from the current €10 (approximately £8.60) for last-minute visitors to as much as €50. The original fee was €5 on peak days between April and July, with additional days added later. The city attracts around 30 million visitors each year, and authorities hope the higher fee will discourage day-trippers and reduce overcrowding.
Edinburgh Castle Named Most Overcrowded Landmark in UK
In Britain, Edinburgh Castle was identified as the most overcrowded landmark, drawing large crowds that can diminish the visitor experience.
The findings highlight the growing challenge of overtourism in popular destinations, prompting local governments to explore measures such as entry fees and visitor caps to manage the influx.
