Which cities have the worst overtourism problem?
Cities around the globe are taking steps to manage the surge of tourism. While it's widely acknowledged that tourists bring significant economic benefits, the question remains: what would an ideal tourist market look like? Locals would likely prefer fewer affluent visitors to reduce disruption while maximizing revenue. Data highlights 20 popular destinations, evaluating their appeal to international travelers and indicating which cities come closest to this ideal.
Focusing on international arrivals, London and Tokyo topped last year's list with 20 million visitors each, followed by Istanbul with 17 million. Major cities naturally attract a large number of tourists. However, when adjusted for population, Amsterdam, Paris, and Milan emerge as the leaders, boasting ten, eight, and six arrivals per resident, respectively. Amsterdam's allure poses a challenge for local authorities who have tried to control the influx by limiting hotel accommodations, prohibiting cruise ships, and increasing hotel taxes. Despite these efforts, the charm of the canals and local delicacies like cheese continue to draw visitors.
In terms of tourist expenditure on attractions, accommodation, transportation, and other activities, Dubai led with $29 billion last year, followed by London at $21 billion and Singapore at $19 billion. On a per-resident basis, Amsterdam, Paris, and Dubai saw the highest spending. The disparity between cities is notable; tourists in Amsterdam spent four times more per resident than those in Milan. This indicates that a high concentration of tourists can significantly boost local spending. Reducing the number of visitors might lead to economic drawbacks, illustrating that overcrowding has its benefits.
Some cities, however, have managed to achieve high revenues without the downside of overcrowding. In Osaka, Japan's historic second city, visitors spend $4,900 per local; in Madrid, the figure is $4,300. Both cities maintain a moderate tourist density, with four and two visitors per resident, respectively. This scenario might appeal to Amsterdam's residents. Nevertheless, even moderate tourism levels can be contentious. Osaka is considering an entry fee for foreign visitors to address "overtourism," and anti-tourist sentiments are becoming visible in Madrid with graffiti appearing across the city.
