Bali Tops Fodor's 2025 'No List' Due to Overtourism

November 19, 2024 | 06:10 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Travel guide giant Fodor's has released its 2025 'No List', highlighting 15 destinations around the world facing the negative impacts of excessive tourism. Unfortunately, Bali sits at the top of this year's list.

As reported by Independent.co.uk, Fodor's cites overtourism as the primary reason for Bali's inclusion. This excessive tourism has led to a myriad of issues, with plastic pollution being a particular example. 

Experts point to the 5.3 million international visitors Bali received in 2023, and the frightening statistic that these visitors left behind nearly 303,000 tons of plastic waste. They also noted that Bali's tourism industry and natural environment are interconnected in fragile and cyclical ties. 

The island's economic success heavily relies on its hospitality sector, which in turn depends on a healthy and vibrant natural landscape.

Impact of Overtourism

Kristin Winkaffe, a sustainable travel expert, warns that overtourism threatens the soul of Balinese life. “Without changes, we risk losing not only the beauty of the landscapes but also the cultural identity,” she said.

Marta Soligo, an assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, echoes this concern. She highlighted how current tourism practices prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability.

Soligo further emphasizes the importance of considering the quality of life for Balinese residents as it often leads to rising costs of living, noise pollution, and traffic congestion, which are already a reality in Bali.

“Moreover, overtourism can exacerbate a conflictual relationship between tourists and residents due to visitors’ lack of respect for the local community and locals feeling overwhelmed by the crowds,” she added.

This is not the first time Bali has appeared on Fodor's 'No List', having been included in 2020 as well.

Fodor’s No List Destinations

The 2025 'No List' extends to 14 other destinations grappling with similar issues. Adventure travel to Mount Everest finds itself on the list due to concerns over waste accumulation and the dangers posed to local workers. 

Several European destinations, including Barcelona, Mallorca, and the Canary Islands, have been flagged due to resident protests against overwhelming tourism during peak seasons.

Venice and Lisbon also received mentions due to the implementation of daily tourist entrance fees and a lack of affordable housing for residents.

Travelers were also advised not to visit Koh Samui in Thailand amidst concerns of overcrowding following the recent popularity of HBO's series "The White Lotus". With the island serving as the filming location for the show's third season, experts warn that an influx of visitors could exacerbate existing issues such as waste management and water supply.

Here is the complete list of Fodor’s No List Destinations

1. Bali, Indonesia

2. Barcelona, Spain

3. Mallorca, Spain

4. Venice, Italy

5. Canary Islands, Spain

6. Lisbon, Portugal

7. Koh Samui, Thailand

8. Mount Everest

9. Agrigento, Sicily, Italy

10. British Virgin Islands

11. Kerala, India

12. Kyoto, Japan

13. Tokyo, Japan

14. Oaxaca, Mexico

15. North Coast 500, Scotland.

INDEPENDENT.CO.UK | FODORS.COM

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