Learning from Kyoto: Guiding Responsible Tourism in Thailand and Asia-Pacific
Kyoto’s tourism boom has tested the city’s serene identity. Record visitor numbers, boosted by social media and favorable exchange rates, strain narrow lanes and sacred sites. The question for Thai travelers and policymakers is how to sustain economic benefits while protecting culture and daily life.
Recent data shows Kyoto welcomed nearly 37 million international visitors in 2024, with numbers continuing to grow in 2025. The influx has transformed quiet streets into crowded corridors filled with photo seekers, challenging residents and the authenticity travelers seek. This serves as a cautionary tale: tourism can boost economies yet disrupt communities if not carefully managed.