Abstract

The promotion of tourist destinations has become a key strategy of economic growth for many developing countries; however, in several contexts this strategy has not been accompanied by policies that incorporate a sustainable tourism approach. The purpose of this research is to determine the effects and risks of overtourism in ecologically vulnerable areas with spatially natural resources. In this vein, the study seeks to identify the main economic, social, cultural and environmental changes that experience a tourist destination when the number of visitors exceeds their capabilities. It also intends to collect the points of view of local stakeholders about these changes. Finally, it seeks to assess to what extent the tourism management models applied in these areas are sustainable. The research methodology is based on the study of two cases in Peru: one in the Ñuro bay, known for its sea turtles, and the other in the Uros island, an artificial floating structure in the Titicaca Lake where this traditional Andean community lives. The techniques for gathering information include surveys, in-depth interviews, direct observation and documentary analysis. This investigation is valuable for two reasons. First, it reflects on the need of prevention and mitigation strategies regarding the negative impacts of overtourism. Second, it highlights the importance of a sustainable management of tourist destinations, especially those located in vulnerable ecosystems and whose populations mainly depend on tourism.

Presenters

Maria E Sanchez Zambrano
Economist, Management, Pontifical Catholic University of Perú, Lima, Peru

Maria Elena Esparza
Profesora Asociada, Departamento Académico de Ciencias de la Gestión, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Lima, Peru

Mario Marcello Pasco-Dalla-Porta
Associate Professor, Academic Department of Management Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Peru

Agnes Franco Temple

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Critical Issues in Tourism and Leisure Studies

KEYWORDS

Overtourism, Sustainable, Tourism, Mitigation, Strategies

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