2023 Worst Destinations For Overtourism And How To Avoid It
The tourism industry is not just back, but thriving, after years of downturn brought on by the epidemic. The World tourism & Tourism Council projects that sales will reach an astounding $9.5 trillion in 2023, or 95% of pre-pandemic levels. These are the 2023 worst destinations for overtourism that you should avoid.
Author:Jane RestureJan 02, 20245.2K Shares95.8K Views
The tourism industry is not just back, but thriving, after years of downturn brought on by the epidemic. The World Tourism & Tourism Councilprojects that sales will reach an astounding $9.5 trillion in 2023, or 95% of pre-pandemic levels. These are the 2023 worst destinations for overtourismthat you should avoid. There are drawbacks to this comeback as well, chief among them being the problem of overtourism, which has exacerbated traffic, noise, pollution, and resource depletion in well-known tourist locations across the globe.
2023 Worst Destinations For Overtourism
Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, officials took a direct approach to combatting overtourism, specifically targeting young British males as "nuisance tourists." The city implemented a comprehensive "Amsterdam Tourism in Balance" plan and launched initiatives such as a video campaign warning against rowdy behavior.
The plan includes measures like banning smoking marijuana in certain areas and eventually prohibiting cruise ships from the city. Despite these efforts, Amsterdam anticipates hosting 23 million annual overnight visitors by 2025.
How to avoid the crowds- Visit Amsterdam in the less-visited months of January to March, or explore nearby cities like The Hague, Utrecht, Rotterdam, or the charming town of Delft.
Athens
Athens, Greece, faced overtourism challenges during a summer heatwave, prompting officials to cap the number of daily visitors to the Acropolis at 20,000 through an hourly slot system. This system will expand to over 25 other archaeological sites and monuments nationwide in April 2024.
How to avoid the crowds -Visit Athens outside the peak months of July and August, with April and May offering ideal weather and fewer tourists. Consider booking afternoon or early evening slots to visit the Acropolis.
Bali
Bali, Indonesia, grappled with the aftermath of its popularity surge, leading to badly behaved tourists. In response, the provincial governor attached a do's and don'ts list to tourist passports and imposed a new tax of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (about $10). The government aims to shift towards more responsible tourism, targeting specific visitor demographics.
How to avoid the crowds-Visit Bali during the rainy season from October to April, avoiding the busy months of July and August.
Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain, closed its northern port terminal to cruise traffic and increased the "city surcharge" for tourists starting April 1, 2024. Locals expressed frustration through banners and graffiti, urging tourists to "go home."
How to avoid the crowds-Visit Barcelona during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, avoiding the peak months of July and August.
Miami
Miami, Florida, experienced a surge in tourism, reaching 26.5 million visitors and $20.8 billion in spending. Locals raised concerns about the negative impacts of unchecked crowds, calling for initiatives to address issues such as noise and disorder.
How to avoid the crowds-Visit Miami during the South Florida summer for fewer crowds or from November to April during the high season.
Paris
Paris, France, attracted a new wave of visitors due to the popularity of "Emily in Paris" and its role as the host of the 2024 Summer Olympics. The city implemented measures, including limiting daily visitors to the Louvre, to combat overtourism.
How to avoid the crowds-Paris is expected to be crowded in 2024 due to the Summer Olympics, but travelers can explore during the off-season from November through March.
Phuket
Phuket, Thailand, earned the title of the world's most overcrowded destination in 2023. The Thai government aims to shift towards more sustainable tourism, targeting specific visitor demographics.
How to avoid the crowds-Visit Phuket during the monsoon season from May to October for fewer tourists but be prepared for some wet weather.
Venice
Venice, Italy, faced ongoing challenges with overtourism, leading to the introducing of a tourist tax for day-trippers starting April 2024. The fee aims to manage crowds and preserve the city's heritage.
How to avoid the crowds-Visit Venice during the off-season from November to March, staying overnight to avoid day-trip fees.
Final Thoughts
Mass tourism has made a fierce comeback. The typical pre-2020 image of deserted streets in the world's most visited cities has been replaced with images of throngs of travelers searching for well-known landmarks, eateries, and retail establishments.
However, not all places are amenable to this. By enacting higher tourism fees or limiting the amount of visitors permitted, several of the most well-known tourist spots in the world are retaliating. Some are outright advising visitors not to visit. In 2023, these are the worst destinations for overtourism that want visitors to avoid visiting.
Jane Resture
Author
Since she embarked on her first world trip in 2002, Jane Resture spent the past decades sharing her personal journey and travel tips with people around the world. She has traveled to over 80 countries and territories, where she experienced other cultures, wildlife she had only read about in books, new foods, new people, and new amazing experiences.
Jane believes that travel is for everyone and it helps us learn about ourselves and the world around us. Her goal is to help more people from more backgrounds experience the joy of exploration because she trusts that travel opens the door to the greatest, most unforgettable experiences life can offer and this builds a kinder, more inclusive, more open-minded world.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles