Odense, Denmark, has achieved a record number of tourist overnight stays, but local officials are concerned about managing this growth sustainably to avoid issues faced by cities like Barcelona and Venice.
Odense, the birthplace of H.C. Andersen, has seen a remarkable increase in tourism, achieving over 600,000 official overnight stays in 2025, marking an 8% rise from the previous year and a significant 23.5% growth compared to 2019, prior to the pandemic. Local officials attribute this success to the diverse offerings and attractions that the city provides to visitors, showcasing its unique cultural heritage and hospitality.
Despite this encouraging trend, Trine Spliid Bech, acting office manager for Growth & Tourism in Odense Municipality, emphasizes the importance of sustainable tourism management. There are cautionary tales from cities like Barcelona and Venice that have struggled with overtourism, leading to negative impacts on local residents and the environment. Odense aims to capitalize on its tourism growth while ensuring that it does not compromise the quality of life for its inhabitants.
As Odense continues to promote itself as a travel destination, local authorities are focused on developing strategies that can accommodate an influx of tourists without overwhelming the city’s infrastructure or resources. This proactive approach aims to create a balanced relationship between tourism and the local community, preserving the unique character of Odense while fostering economic growth through tourism.
