UPDATE: Overtourism is now wreaking havoc in several popular Asian travel destinations, echoing the challenges faced in Europe. Major cities like Kyoto, Japan, and Bali, Indonesia, are struggling with overcrowded streets, environmental degradation, and rising tensions between tourists and locals. Reports indicate that over 56 million tourists visited Kyoto in just 2024, severely impacting daily life for its 1.5 million residents.
Tourism experts, including analyst Gary Bowerman, highlight that the issue is not merely about the number of visitors but their concentration in specific areas. “Bali, Kyoto, and Phuket are prime examples,” Bowerman states. Tourists flock to these destinations, leading to overcrowded attractions and strained local resources. In Kyoto, visitors are experiencing long waits and crowded streets, with locals expressing frustration about the disruption.
“Kyoto was by far the most crowded and our least favorite stop,” said Shannon Clerk, a recent visitor to Japan. She and her sister rose at 5 a.m. to avoid crowds at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, only to find hordes of tourists arriving as they left.
The dramatic resurgence in Asian tourism post-pandemic has been fueled by pent-up demand, affordable flights, and aggressive marketing campaigns. The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) reports an astonishing 20% growth in tourism in Northeast Asia during the first half of 2025. Meanwhile, Vietnam saw a staggering 21% increase in international arrivals, with hotspots like Ha Long Bay and Hoi An becoming increasingly congested.
Despite the influx of visitors in countries like Thailand—where international arrivals are down 6%—popular sites remain overwhelmed. In Phuket, the government is grappling with severe traffic issues, water shortages, and waste management challenges exacerbated by tourism. “We did a Phi Phi island boat tour, but we were far from alone,” said traveler Gabi Jimenez, recounting her experience among over 100 boats on a single trip.
Environmental experts, including Nikki Scott from the Backpacker Network, warn that overtourism leads to significant ecological harm. “Bali is one of the places worst hit,” she explained, citing plastic pollution, water shortages, and severe flooding caused by environmental neglect. In recent years, Bali has experienced its worst floods in decades, a crisis linked to the environmental degradation spurred by tourism.
As governments attempt to manage the situation, measures taken in places like Boracay, Philippines, which was closed for six months in 2018 for reform, show that intervention is possible. However, the challenge remains daunting. Local officials in Kyoto have even introduced fines for tourists who disrespect cultural norms, yet the effectiveness of such measures is questionable.
Authorities face a difficult balancing act between economic growth through tourism and maintaining the quality of life for residents. The situation is compounded by a cultural clash; tourists are often perceived as treating sacred sites as mere attractions, leading to tensions with local populations. “Japan’s tourism policies have traditionally focused on increasing visitor numbers, leaving residents feeling overwhelmed,” noted Yusuke Ishiguro, an associate professor at Hokkaido University.
What’s next? As international travel continues to surge, the pressure on these iconic destinations will only increase. Travelers are urged to seek less-crowded alternatives and explore under-the-radar spots to alleviate the burden on popular sites. “Even in popular destinations, it’s easy to find hidden gems away from the crowds,” Scott advised.
As Asia grapples with the realities of overtourism, the future of travel in the region remains uncertain. Will authorities take decisive action, or will the struggle for balance between tourism growth and local quality of life continue? The world is watching closely as these challenges unfold.
