Overtourism in Indian cities: a case study of Nainital

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to address the issue of overtourism, its causes and impacts and propose a strategy based on a theoretical overtourism matrix to be applied to the Nainital city. Design/methodology/approach Reports on rules and regulations from government authorities, court orders and newspaper reports were studied to understand the severity of overtourism. Focus interviews were undertaken, and monthly tourist arrival data for 13 years is analysed to gauge the levels of overtourism. Findings The study identifies the factors such as communication gaps, lack of stakeholders’ participation and non-availability of the tourism development plan as the primary reasons for the absence of sustainable overtourism solution. The study finds the extent of overtourism and its adverse effects on Nainital and underlines the need for policy interventions and optimal management of resources. The findings of this study highlight the need for sustainable long-term strategies. Research limitations/implications Overtourism can be understood and analysed in a better way with more granular data level. Practical implications The strategies presented can be applied at the policy level in the small- and mid-sized cities that are on hills or near the waterbody-side and experience mostly day and budget travellers. The understanding of resident–tourist interaction and impacts will help in preparing a better sustainable tourism development plan. The practical strategies of overtourism issues may be implemented for tourism experience and development. Originality/value This study investigates, for the first time, the impact of overtourism and offers strategies for an Indian city. This study will help tourism managers in developing policies for sustainable tourism development of hill cities or waterbody-side in India.

Destination Familiarity and Perceived Attractiveness of Four Polish Tourism Cities

“…The fast growing interest of tourists in spending their time in cities brings problems that were not observed in tourist resorts or wildlife destinations [27,28]. Often, the problem of overtourism is attributed to cities [29,30]. The tourism product offered in cites is very complex and specific.…”

Success Factors for Elevating the Tourism Area Potential

“…The development of successive factors is taken from several previous studies. So that, the factors are included in driving of tourism area are telecommunication, power source, transportation, waste management [11], [12], location, clean water source, supporting industry, spatial, hospitality, safety and security [13], [14], and stakeholder [15]. To support defense strategies and tourism management during a pandemic in the new normal era, tourism destinations apply adequate standards for tourists [16], thus providing alternative new travel patterns: (i) high standard security: Increasing security standards such as checking luggage, the installation of CCTV on each side of the tourist attraction throughout the region, and the addition of security personnel such as security guards in all tourist attractions [17].…”

Bibliometric Analysis and Literature Review of Mountain Tourism

“…Pröbstl-Haider et al (2021) observed that extreme summer could have an impact on the tourist consumption of outdoor activities. Over-tourism in mountain destinations is a common phenomenon because of the extreme heat in the plains (Barbhuiya, 2021). Practitioners must adopt GIS to monitor the changes in climatic conditions and observe any future abnormalities.…”