World's most crowded holiday destination has over 100 tourists per local

One of the joys of jetting off on holiday is soaking up the world's most stunning destinations.

But without proper planning, you could find yourself sharing your tranquil retreat with hordes of other tourists all yearning for the same experience. In the wake of the pandemic, millions of holidaymakers are making up for lost time by globetrotting to savour the world's finest offerings, leading to some breathtaking spots becoming a tad too packed.

So, where's the most congested tourist hotspot? A study from MoneyTransfers.com has thrown some light on the matter, revealing that Edinburgh Castle holds the record for the highest number of tourists in the UK.

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On a global scale, Phuket in Thailand takes the crown with an astonishing 118 tourists for every permanent resident, reports the Express.

The allure of Thailand's gorgeous beaches, rich history and culture is likely what draws tourists - but with visitors now drastically outnumbering locals, these beachfronts and cultural hubs are becoming somewhat crowded.

Kata, one of Thailand's most picturesque beaches, has borne the brunt of the overload of tourists, with some visitors likening it to "Benidorm or the Costa Brava". "Would have been a beautiful place once but now the waters are polluted," said one traveller on Tripadvisor.

"I was shocked at how much rubbish was in the once blue waters. I even got sump oil stuck on my feet and it took two days to remove. Tiny bits of plastic, water was brown like chocolate sauce in some places," expressed another one.

Heraklion in Greece was also amongst the most popular destinations with 22 tourists for every local, whilst Venice in Italy featured on the list as well.

This holiday hotspot boasts a staggering 21 tourists for every resident, and is now implementing a tourism charge to manage the sheer volume of visitors. Officials have confirmed the levy will remain in place and could potentially double for 2025, raising it to €10 (£8.4).

The world's most overcrowded destinations

• Phuket, Thailand
• Pattaya, Thailand
• Krabi, Thailand
• Mugla, Turkey
• Hurghada, Turkey
• Macau, China
• Heraklion, Greece

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