Abstract
The phenomenon of overtourism is defined as “excessive tourism”, which affects both the local community and tourists in a too oppressive and destructive way. However the negative effects of overtourism are not limited to the subjective sphere of individual discomfort. They are much wider and affect both the natural, economic and socio-cultural environment of a given region. Tourist areas in Poland are a perfect example of this: in many places where increased tourist pressure can be observed, various negative phenomena, never previously recorded on such a large scale, can be noted. These include, among others, the destruction of cultural facilities, degradation of the natural environment, disturbance of the feeling of security, rising prices of food and housing, communication problems and many others.The starting point for the considerations presented in the study is the analysis of the theoretical framework of overtourism and the concept of sustainable development, which provides interesting inspiration to reduce the negative effects of “excessive tourism”. Next, the results of own research are presented, the main purpose of which was to identify and characterize the factors influencing the shape of overtourism in Poland, with particular emphasis on the social aspects of the issue. The conclusion presents a catalog of practical solutions that may contribute to minimizing dysfunctional phenomena in tourism not only in Poland, but also in other tourist areas.
Presenters
Piotr MajdakAssistant Professor, Department of Tourism and Recreation, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Economic, Social, and Cultural Context
KEYWORDS
OVERTOURISM, POLAND, SOCIETY, SUSTAINABILITY, TOURISM
