Bali Listed Among World’s Worst Overtourism Destinations in 2023

Bali has emerged as one of the destination grappling with tourist overcrowding, known as overtourism, throughout January-November 2023 (Source: CNN). The phenomenon of overtourism has surged post the COVID-19 pandemic, witnessing a rapid growth in the tourism sector. The World Travel & Tourism Council predicts that the tourism sector will generate a staggering $9.5 trillion in 2023, representing a 95% increase from the pre-pandemic period.

While this surge has brought sweet success to local businesses and the economy, it has also ushered in negative consequences such as noise, pollution, traffic, and strain on public resources. Bali, a favorite destination for international travelers, recorded over 5.2 million foreign tourist visits and more than 9.4 million domestic tourist visits from January to December 2023, according to Bali’s Tourism Department.

Governor I Wayan Koster has gone to the extent of mandating a list of do’s and don’ts for tourists to be attached to their passports. This includes prohibitions on swearing, touching sacred trees, or climbing structures. Additionally, starting February 14, 2024, foreign tourists visiting Bali are required to pay a tax of IDR 150,000.

Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, emphasizes the need to transition to a more sustainable tourism model, attracting visitors who stay longer and contribute more to the local economy. Travelers looking for a quieter Bali experience are encouraged to visit during the relatively peaceful rainy season, from October to April.

List of Tourist Attractions in the World Experiencing the Worst Overtourism in 2023

Apart from Bali, other cities worldwide experienced overtourism from January to November 2023:

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Despite various campaigns to control tourist numbers, Amsterdam remains a favored destination, planning to implement the highest tourist tax in Europe in 2024.
2. Athens, Greece: The scorching heat hasn’t deterred tourists from flocking to Athens, prompting officials to limit daily visits to the Acropolis to 20,000 people through a reservation system.
3. Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona closed its northern cruise terminal in October to redirect cruise ships away from the city center, aiming to address the 340 annual cruise ship visits.
4. Miami, USA: Greater Miami recorded a record-breaking 26.5 million visitors in 2022, prompting calls for tourist restrictions, including alcohol consumption limits and noise reduction.
5. Paris, France: Paris, popularized further by the TV series “Emily in Paris,” implemented daily visitor limits at iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower and committed to combatting overtourism nationwide.
6. Phuket, Thailand: Phuket, having lifted Covid-19 restrictions in October 2022, earned the title of the world’s most crowded destination in 2023, with 118 tourists per local resident.
7. Venice, Italy: Overtourism in Venice made headlines in 2023, leading to the introduction of a daily tax of 5 euros for tourists aged 15 and above, starting April 2024, applicable between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM local time.