Across Asia, several well-known destinations are experiencing significant pressure from increasing tourist numbers. This surge in visitors is impacting the daily lives of residents and threatening the very natural and cultural sites that draw people in the first place. This issue, often seen in European hotspots, is now a growing concern across the Asian continent, from bustling cities to serene islands.
Key Takeaways
- Popular Asian destinations like Bali, Kyoto, and Phuket are struggling with overtourism.
- Factors include post-pandemic demand, affordable flights, and a growing middle class.
- Environmental damage, infrastructure strain, and cultural erosion are major concerns.
- Some locations are implementing closures and visitor caps to aid recovery.
- Locals report increased crowding, disrespectful behavior, and a decline in quality of life.
Rising Visitor Numbers Strain Infrastructure and Local Life
The problem is not a lack of space across Asia, which is a vast continent with diverse attractions. Instead, it stems from too many tourists converging on the same popular spots within specific destinations. This concentration creates significant challenges for local infrastructure and the quality of life for residents.
Shannon Clerk, an American tourist who recently visited Japan, described her experience in Kyoto. She stated,
“Kyoto was by far the most crowded and our least favorite stop of the trip.”To avoid anticipated crowds at the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, she and her sister woke up at 5 a.m. While they saw minimal people on the ascent, large groups of tourists were already arriving on their way down. The rest of their Kyoto visit involved navigating through dense crowds on sidewalks and in markets.
Ms. Clerk also observed, “Every sacred or historical spot was overrun by non-Japanese tourists dressed in kimonos and sandals, taking Instagram photos.” This highlights a common complaint among locals: a perceived lack of respect for cultural sites.
Tourism Growth in Asia
- Northeast Asia saw a phenomenal 20% tourism growth in the first half of 2025.
- Vietnam experienced a 21% increase in international arrivals during the same period.
- Kyoto welcomed over 56 million tourists (international and domestic) in 2024.
Behind the Boom: Pandemic Recovery and Changing Travel Habits
Gary Bowerman, a travel and consumer trends analyst based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, points to several factors driving this surge in tourism. These include pent-up demand following the pandemic, increasingly affordable airfares to a wider range of Asian destinations, and a burgeoning, travel-eager middle class in countries like India and China. Aggressive promotional campaigns by various tourist boards also play a role.
Furthermore, more domestic tourists are exploring their own countries. Mr. Bowerman describes the travel boom as if
“the genie is out of the bottle. How do you put it back in?”The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) confirms that travel in Asia has seen a spectacular recovery. Their latest mid-year report indicates that Northeast Asia, encompassing China, Japan, and South Korea, is leading this trend with substantial growth.
UNESCO Effect
Once a place achieves UNESCO World Heritage status, it often sees an immediate and significant increase in visitor numbers. While this brings recognition, it also places immense pressure on the site's resources and local communities.
Environmental and Cultural Impacts on Popular Destinations
The rise in visitor numbers brings severe environmental and cultural challenges. Nikki Scott, founder and editor of the Backpacker Network and South East Asia Backpacker magazine, identifies three main detrimental effects: environmental destruction due to construction, negative impacts on nature and resources, and the erosion of local culture to cater to tourist demands.
Bali, Indonesia, stands out as a prime example. Ms. Scott explains,
“From plastic pollution to water shortages and terrible traffic jams, Bali is one of the places that is worst hit by overtourism.”Recent severe floods on the island are partly attributed to environmental problems exacerbated by tourism, such as the conversion of rice fields into concrete for hotels, leading to drainage issues.
Thailand's Maya Bay, famous from the film 'The Beach,' also illustrates these challenges. Gabi Jimenez, an American traveler, recalled her experience: “Specifically at Maya Bay, what should be a 10-minute stop ended up being over an hour trying to fight through the crowds just to get to the beach and back.”
Strategies for Sustainability: Closures and Capacity Limits
Some destinations are taking drastic measures to combat overtourism. Boracay in the Philippines, a paradise island, was closed to tourists for six months in 2018 to allow recovery from overuse. It was closed again for two years during the pandemic. The Philippine government also implemented a cap on tourist arrivals, strengthened environmental protection, and outlawed unlicensed accommodation.
Reports from dive shops in Boracay suggest these measures are working, with fewer crowds and cleaner water. Thailand has adopted a similar approach for Maya Bay, banning tourism for four years and now enforcing a two-month annual closure to allow marine and shoreline ecosystems to recover. However, officials still struggle to cap visitors, with many defying posted rules.
In Kyoto, city officials are grappling with balancing tourism with local life. A survey by Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper revealed that roughly 90% of Kyoto residents complained about overtourism. Beyond crowding, a major grievance is disrespectful behavior from foreign tourists who treat the city like a theme park.
The Struggle for Balance: Economic Growth vs. Local Well-being
The struggle to balance tourism-fueled economic growth with the quality of life for locals is a widespread issue across Asia. Governments often view travel and tourism as a critical pillar for economic growth, attracting investment, and national branding. This focus can sometimes overshadow the negative impacts on communities and the environment.
Yusuke Ishiguro, an associate professor at Hokkaido University, notes that Japan’s tourism policies have traditionally focused on increasing visitor numbers. He states that authorities are currently in a
“considering” phase and are not yet implementing fundamental solutions.Measures like closed-circuit cameras and hotel taxes have not provided a complete answer. Mr. Ishiguro believes effective measures require physical barriers and capacity limits, which are difficult to implement in large cities like Kyoto due to various stakeholders.
Kyoto has tried to address specific issues, such as banning tourists from private lanes in the Gion area and prohibiting unauthorized photos after geisha complained of harassment. Violators can face fines of up to 10,000 yen (approximately $65).
Ultimately, while laws and regulations can be put in place, enforcing them is challenging. As Mr. Bowerman points out, “No country wants to be seen to be locking up tourists. It’s just bad PR.” For travelers seeking to avoid crowds, exploring lesser-known areas or visiting during off-peak seasons can provide a more authentic and less impactful experience.
