Daily Mail Warns Of Malta’s Growing Overtourism Problem
Malta has been flagged by the Daily Mail as one of Europe’s holiday destinations most at risk from overtourism, as visitor numbers continue to rise sharply.
The article reports that this small Mediterranean island, just 315 square kilometres in size, has seen a 29.5% increase in foreign arrivals since 2019, welcoming around 3.2 million tourists each year. That means the island now hosts over approximately 10,159 visitors per square kilometre, putting it among the most densely visited destinations in Europe.
Quoting The Telegraph’s travel writer Juliet Rix, the Daily Mail described Valletta as feeling “uncomfortably full” on recent visits. “The Maltese have always welcomed tourists and will probably continue to do so for the moment, but there is indeed now a risk of overtourism and all that that implies,” Rix added.
The article lists Malta alongside European hotspots like Barcelona and Venice, where mass tourism has sparked protests and growing concern about the strain on cities and communities.
Meanwhile, some destinations are experiencing the opposite trend. Ireland has struggled to attract pre-pandemic visitor numbers, with its “expensive” reputation cited as a factor keeping tourists away.
On the other end of the spectrum, Albania is emerging as a rapidly growing destination, dubbed the “Maldives of Europe,” with arrivals climbing by 84% since 2019.
By highlighting Malta’s soaring visitor numbers, the Daily Mail article sheds light on the challenge facing the island: how to welcome tourists while ensuring the local communities, historic sites, and natural beauty remain sustainable for the future.
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