Overtourism is increasingly becoming a challenge for many destinations around the world, and a new global ranking highlights where the problem is most intense. According to a recent report by Go2Africa, Vatican City has emerged as the most crowded tourist destination on the planet, while France continues to hold its crown as the most visited country.
The survey found that Vatican City, with a population of fewer than 900 residents, receives an astonishing 7,709 tourists for every local. Its tiny size, just 0.44 square kilometres, and immense religious and cultural significance make it a hotspot for millions of pilgrims and travellers each year. The result is an unmatched density of visitors, creating both challenges and opportunities for this unique city-state.
Second on the list is Andorra, which received 9.6 million visitors in 2024 compared to its population of just under 82,000 people. Known for luxury ski resorts and tax-free shopping, the microstate experiences 117 tourists for every resident. San Marino, the Bahamas, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda also ranked among the most overcrowded destinations, many of which face short but intense influxes of cruise passengers that strain local resources.
The research also revealed the world’s most visited countries. France came out on top with over 100 million international arrivals in 2024, boosted further by hosting the Olympics. Spain followed closely with 94 million visitors, while the United States secured third place with 72 million. Other countries in the top ten included Italy, Türkiye, Mexico, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Greece and Japan. These numbers reflect not only the popularity of iconic cities like Paris, Barcelona, and New York but also the growing concerns about how mass tourism impacts local communities.
For those looking to avoid overcrowded destinations, the report suggested several alternatives. Siena in Italy offers medieval charm without the rush of Florence. The Slovenian Alps provide breathtaking mountain scenery with fewer skiers.
Seychelles, with its strong focus on conservation, presents a more peaceful alternative to the Bahamas. Rovinj in Croatia delivers coastal luxury with fewer crowds, while Mauritius offers a blend of cultures, landscapes and experiences without the congestion of more famous island nations.
The study calculated its rankings by comparing the number of international visitors against the resident population of each country, using the most recent official tourism and demographic data. The resulting ratios highlight places where tourism greatly outweighs the size of the local population, underscoring the pressures of managing global travel demand in small and sensitive destinations.
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