When Popularity Turns Into a Threat
Global tourism has returned to pre-pandemic levels, but visitor flows have become even more concentrated. Some destinations are experiencing enormous pressure on infrastructure, ecosystems and local communities. According to an analysis reviewed by DIP, five countries are now approaching critical levels.
What the Overtourism Index Shows
The Overtourism Index created by Evaneos and Roland Berger evaluates 70 of the world’s most visited destinations on a scale from 1 to 5. Key indicators include:
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tourism’s share in GDP (up to 28% in vulnerable countries)
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tourist density (54 to 240 people per km²)
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pressure on infrastructure and natural environments
The most vulnerable five are:
Vietnam, Morocco, Iceland, Egypt and Albania.
Vietnam: “On its way to becoming the next Thailand”
Index score: 3.0
2024 arrivals: 17.5 million international visitors (+39.5%)
Vietnam’s rapid tourism boom is pushing some regions to their limits:
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Ha Long Bay — around 6 million visitors annually; marine ecosystems are strained by heavy boat traffic
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Phu Quoc Island — once a quiet retreat, now a full-scale mass-market resort
Still, authentic destinations remain — such as Hue, quiet coastal towns and lesser-visited central provinces.
Morocco: “A growing boom with growing dilemmas”
Index score: 3.1 (the highest in the group)
2024 arrivals: 17.4 million (+20%)
Morocco is investing heavily in airports, hotels and roads, which fuels another tourism surge. But problems are emerging:
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Marrakech and Fez are already overcrowded
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rising prices are impacting residents
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the country faces a severe water shortage, worsened by tourism demand
Despite this, many off-the-beaten-path regions still preserve authentic culture — Atlas Mountains, small towns and inland areas.
Iceland: A destination that is no longer a “hidden gem”
Index score: 2.9
Tourist density: 5.2 visitors per resident — the highest in the world
Iceland’s rise as a popular stopover between North America and Europe has brought unprecedented crowds. Authorities are responding by raising taxes:
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hotels pay 600 ISK (~4.24 €) per room
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cruise passengers pay 1000 ISK (~7.06 €)
Even so, Iceland can still be peaceful — particularly in the north, the east and outside peak season.
Egypt: Mass tourism intensifies
Index score: 2.7
2024 arrivals: 15.78 million tourists (+6%)
Egypt has always attracted mass tourism, especially to the Red Sea and historic sites. But visitor numbers continue to grow.
As tourism remains vital to the economy, restrictions are unlikely — meaning popular zones will only get busier.
Albania: “The last affordable Balkan escape”
2024 arrivals: 11.7 million visitors (+15.2%)
After Croatia and Montenegro became overcrowded and expensive, tourists shifted to Albania. But the effects are already visible:
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rents in Tirana have risen to 300–800 € for small apartments
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large homes cost 550–1300 €
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overall rental prices increased 10–20% in 2024
Experts warn Albania may soon follow Montenegro’s path — rising prices and rapid development replacing its current “hidden gem” status.