Too many visitors, too little space
Some places around the world struggle to maintain their charm and heritage under the constant weight of visitor numbers. According to the World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism, about 1.4 billion people traveled internationally in 2024, putting enormous pressure on popular destinations. This rapid growth has pushed several destinations to the edge of overtourism, where visitor numbers overwhelm local infrastructure and change the daily lives of residents.
Vatican City
Vatican City, with just 882 residents, hosts over 6.8 million visitors yearly, all drawn to sites like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. The result? Hour-long queues, overcrowded plazas, and daily life overwhelmed by tourist flux.
Andorra
Despite having fewer than 82,000 residents, the mountain state of Andorra welcomes some 9.6 million visitors annually, eager for skiing and duty-free shopping. Every street can feel packed—meaning its alpine tranquility is increasingly rare.
San Marino
Perched atop a ridge, San Marino’s medieval ambiance belies its popularity: nearly 2 million visitors each year, but just 33,581 locals. Even walking its cobbled streets during off-hours, you can sense the crowd waiting to arrive.
Bahamas
This island nation of about 401,000 people draws over 11 million tourists annually, especially during festivals like spring break or Carnival. The beaches shimmer, but behind the scenes, infrastructure and local life can feel stretched to breaking point.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
The two islands: home to only 46,843 residents, receive more than 875,000 visitors yearly. Rugged beauty meets crowded harbors and beach paths, reminding us that even paradise needs limits.
Antigua and Barbuda
With under 94,000 locals, the twin-island nation hosts over 1.1 million tourists annually. Tourist influxes lead to crowded resorts, congested harbors, and competition for prime beach spots.
Bahrain
Bahrain, population around 1.6 million, now handles nearly 15 million tourists every year. Winter draws flood in, taxing everything from roads to water supplies—even while tourists flock to its historic forts and souks.
Monaco
Despite being just two square kilometers with fewer than 39,000 residents, Monaco sees over 340,000 visitors annually—many drawn by its glamor, casinos, and F1 buzz. Space is luxury.
