In 2025, Odense, the birthplace of famed author H.C. Andersen, is projected to achieve a record tourism milestone, crossing 600,000 official overnight stays for the first time. This represents an 8% increase from 2024, and a remarkable 23.5% increase from 2019, which was only a year before the global tourism industry was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The growth is attributed to various offerings and improvements in the city that appeal to visitors, according to Trine Spliid Bech, interim head of the Growth & Tourism office in the Odense Municipality.

The push for increased tourism in Odense comes with a cautious approach, especially as the city aims to maintain a sustainable influx of visitors. Officials are well aware of the over-tourism issues faced by other renowned tourist destinations, such as Barcelona and Venice, and are strategizing to ensure that Odense's growth does not lead to similar complications. This emphasizes the city's intention to balance economic growth with the preservation of its cultural and historical integrity.

As tourists are projected to flock to Odense, the local government is focusing on increasing infrastructure and amenities to handle the expected surge while not compromising the quality of life for residents. This holistic approach to tourism is indicative of a growing trend worldwide, where cities are becoming more mindful of the impacts of tourism, looking to other cities' experiences to guide their own growth.