Phuket Named 'World’s Most Overcrowded Tourist Destination' for 2023

Phuket Named ‘World’s Most Overcrowded Tourist Destination’ for 2023

In a recent study conducted by MoneyTransfers.com, Thailand’s Phuket island has earned the unfortunate title of being the ‘World’s Most Overcrowded Tourist Destination’ for the year 2023. With travel returning to pre-pandemic levels, many renowned locations are once again grappling with the challenges of overtourism.

Phuket claims the top spot on this list, followed closely by Pattaya and Krabi, both also in Thailand. Phuket has long been a favorite among travelers seeking sun-soaked beaches and hosting some of the world’s most legendary parties.

The situation has reached such extremes in certain places that governments have found it necessary to implement measures to regulate the influx of tourists.

Bali, another well-loved destination, has introduced various bans on tourist activities in an effort to combat overtourism. In Europe, cities like Venice, Athens, and Amsterdam have also taken steps to preserve their local landscapes from overwhelming crowds. Venice has introduced multiple tourist taxes, while Athens, Greece, has imposed a cap on the number of daily visitors to the Acropolis. Austrian residents have even started protesting against the excessive numbers of tourists.

Shifting focus to the UK, the stunning Edinburgh Castle has earned the title of the most overcrowded tourist attraction, while Bath stands out as the most overcrowded city.

Turning back to Phuket, it’s no surprise that this Thai island is a focal point for travelers. With over 90 kilometers of coastline and stunning beaches like Kata and Karon, it attracts tourists from all corners of the globe. These beaches are not only popular among scuba divers but also feature vibrant markets and fantastic seafood restaurants.

According to the study, Phuket hosts a staggering 118 tourists for every local resident. Pattaya and Krabi claim the second and third positions on the list, respectively.

Here are the top 10 overcrowded tourist destinations in the world for 2023: