Overtourism - Thematic Research

Overtourism is essentially overconsumption of resources. The common conception of this theme has been that it only affects well-known mass tourism destinations experiencing large crowds of inbound tourists. Per contra, it can affect any destination of any scale.

This thematic research report takes an in-depth look at the theme of overtourism and how it has affected the travel sector. This report analyzes the trends that have contributed to overtourism and the strategies being implemented to combat this today. It then dives deep into an industry analysis identifying how, when and where overtourism has occurred in the past and the impact it has had on the sector. Recommendations are then offered for the travel sector to mitigate the risks of overtourism in the future alongside a description of companies mentioned throughout.

“The focus of the tourism sector for many years has been a constant push for growth and capacity to be a ‘winning tourism destination’ rather than their experiential value. Poor planning, bad management and a ‘laissez-faire’ attitude now makes this theme identifiable in destinations worldwide. Whilst COVID-19 brought a halt to international travel in 2020 this does not mean the threat of overtourism is eliminated in future years and effective tourism management will continue to be a critical pillar in a destination’s success.”

Key Highlights

• All involved across the travel and tourism supply chain have contributed to overtourism around the world, and still do. It is clear some are actively promoting and working towards more responsible forms of travel, whilst others are acknowledging it but failing to work against it. Thus, the publisher divides the players within this theme as the leaders that are ‘combatting overtourism’ and those that are ‘contributing’ to its effects on destinations worldwide.
• Smart technologies can help combat overtourism within any respective destination or attraction - aiding the visitor experience and leading to a more responsible tourism model. Smart cities can generally affect the tourist experience, capacity and planning alongside management and infrastructure which will undoubtedly contribute to more effective management battling the effects of overtourism.
• When tourists outnumber the locals within a destination it is clear why this can cause hostility within a local community. Overall a destination should have the tourists, but tourists should not have control of a destination.
• Numerous destinations worldwide have fallen victim to Overtourism in recent years. These same destinations that were experiencing problems are now suffering the consequences of a lack of visitors as a result of COVID-19. DMOs and governments alike are now looking to create a more sustainable and viable tourism strategy to ensure tourism post-pandemic is more responsible.
• As a destination evolves, businesses, attractions, etc. can all adapt to quantify the number of tourists, but overwhelming numbers can lead to the downfall of the tourist experience itself.
• Responsible tourism is about using tourism to enhance both the economic and social values within a destination. Overtourism is the antithesis of this, where tourism develops but can destroy natural habitats and local cultures.

Scope

• This thematic report provides an overview of how overtourism has become a ‘mega theme’ affecting the travel sector today.
• The key trends in this report are split between trends that have contributed and strategic trends that are being implemented to battle an uncontrollable number of visitors.
• Several case studies are included to analyze the multiple ways that DMOs have tackled overtourism in the past and the actions they are taking today working towards a more responsible tourism model post COVID-19.
• Our unique thematic analysis then dives deep into how overtourism has developed, the effects it can have on a destination and why it is still a major theme impacting the future travel sector post COVID-19.

Reasons to Buy

• Understand how overtourism has developed and how this has affected destinations and tourists in the past.
• Assess how DMOs are re-shaping and re-building their tourism models post COVID-19 to attract more responsible, higher yielding tourists.
• Understand the economic, social and environmental impacts too many tourists in one given destination can cause and how these can be better managed.
• Discover recommendations that will help you mitigate the risks of Overtourism and help you work towards a more responsible and sustainable future in travel.
• The publisher’s thematic research ecosystem is a single, integrated global research platform that provides an easy-to-use framework for tracking all themes across all companies in all sectors. It has a proven track record of identifying the important themes early, enabling companies to make the right investments ahead of the competition, and secure that all-important competitive advantage.
• All across the travel and tourism supply chain including DMOs and individuals (tourists themselves) have been responsible for overtourism in the past. Therefore, all should buy this report to fully understand how they can help combat the risks of overtourism returning post COVID-19.