Exploring the Nexus of Over-Tourism: Causes, Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies

Abstract

The concept of "over-tourism" refers to the adverse effects of tourism on the quality of life for residents and visitors' experiences in a destination. Though a relatively new topic in academic research, over-tourism cannot be meaningfully discussed without considering causes, consequences, and mitigation strategies (e.g., sustainability). This review offers a thorough and current synthesis of the causes of over-tourism and its connection to the consequences and mitigation strategies. It aims to provide a clear understanding of the increasingly strong relationship between the causes of over-tourism and the consequences and mitigation strategies. Using the PRISMA framework, the study systematically selected articles and review articles published in the Scopus database from 2004 onwards, providing an objective, quantitative evaluation of the existing literature. Additionally, Vosviewer and Excel were employed for a descriptive and thematic analysis of the 645 articles and review articles chosen. The findings confirm that recent research trends in over-tourism primarily focus on European urban areas. Additionally, the study highlights the key stakeholders (direct and indirect) and policymakers involved in the research and analysis process, and supported by active funding strategies in this field. The practical implications of this study lie in its ability to inform evidence-based policy decisions and strategic planning. By highlighting the interconnectedness of over-tourism’s causes, impacts, and solutions, the review offers a roadmap for stakeholders to implement targeted, sustainable strategies, improving residents' quality of life and enhancing visitor experiences while ensuring the long-term viability of tourism destinations. This is the first study to conduct a detailed descriptive and thematic analysis of this scope.