Take a wild one and see if you are right! Well, I guessed it right and so will many of you. It is none other than everyone’s favourite beach and party destination – Thailand! A place that has become the most over-touristy place in the world.
With the world slowly reverting to its pre-pandemic days, famous locations are witnessing a surge in the tourist population again which is proving to be damaging. And according to research conducted by MoneyTransfers.com the location at the helm of it is Thailand’s Phuket, followed by Pattaya and Krabi.
Known for its beaches, beach parties and nightlife, these locations have always been preferred by all types of travellers.
Because of the situation with overpopulation, measures have been taken by the government to control tourist numbers.
The Thai Island of Phuket has over 90 km of coastline with two of the best beaches in the world under its belt – Hat Kata Beach and Karon Beach. These beaches are not only popular for scuba divers, but these beaches also offer abundant colourful markets and lovely seafood restaurants.
What is over-tourism?
The term “over-tourism” refers to a situation where a specific destination becomes inundated with visitors to the point where the impact on local residents, hosts, business owners, and tourists becomes a concern. The threshold for what constitutes “too many” visitors is subjective and is determined by the adverse effects experienced by the local community.
Tourism has traditionally been seen as a positive industry, contributing to the local economy, fostering growth in rural communities, aiding in the conservation of endangered species, and facilitating the restoration of historical sites. However, as we have predominantly focused on the benefits of tourism, the detrimental consequences have gradually surfaced due to its uncontrolled expansion.
Although not a new issue, over-tourism has persistently been a problem, and it has gained recent attention as a significant concern within the tourism industry.
The Top 10 Destinations Suffering from Over-Tourism:
1. Phuket, Thailand
2. Pattaya, Thailand
3. Krabi, Thailand
4. Mugla, Turkey
5. Hurghada, Turkey
6. Macau, China
7. Heraklion, Greece
8. Venice, Italy
9. Rhodes, Greece
10. Miami, USA
How can we tackle over-tourism?
The sole viable solution lies in the practice of responsible tourism. Embracing responsible tourism is crucial to counteracting the adverse impacts of over-tourism, with a central focus on enhancing the quality of life. Whereas over-tourism erodes the well-being of local residents, responsible tourism brings about precisely the opposite effect, elevating their overall quality of life.
The social media craze often fuels the desire to check off numerous destinations from our travel lists. However, travel should encompass more than mere box-ticking. It should be an opportunity to perceive the world through a mindful lens, one that safeguards the ecosystem of the places we eagerly yearn to explore. Furthermore, it should involve making conscious and sensible travel choices to preserve the rich heritage of these destinations.
Consider this: Would you prefer to visit a place depleted by over-tourism, or would you rather choose a resourceful destination overflowing with abundant joy? Keep in mind that your choice carries a significant impact, so choose wisely, as it will inevitably produce a corresponding effect.
If you do not want to contribute to over-tourism but want to embrace the quietude of Thailand there are these hostels where you can stay, chill and aren’t like the typical hostels but more fostering a community of like-minded travellers.
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