Conclusion: Overtourism

Overtourism and under-tourism are inevitable in an era characterized by globalisation, sophistication and emancipation. Overtourism and under-tourism are the outcome of poor planning, mismanaged destinations and lack of coordination. Both have shared responsibilities in destroying a destination, as different stakeholders nurture contrasting and conflicting interests. Destination Marketing Organizations have a key role to play in the game of overtourism and under-tourism. Negative impacts associated with allowing mass numbers of people into one area occur in a variety of ways. Overcrowding at an attraction creates issues with vandalism, litter, theft and degradation of the site, which in turn impedes tourists from experiencing full satisfaction with the destination. In addition, destinations may become more commercialized in order to provide goods and services to tourists to generate more profits causing a loss of the traditional culture and values of the destination. As a result, some of the more popular tourist destinations have increased fees, imposed fines, staggered hours of entrance and exit times, have hired educated staff members and have partnered with organisations to alleviate the negative impacts associated with overtourism at their heritage and cultural sites.