Overtourism: what it is and how to measure it

What is overtourism and how is it measured?

Overtourism occurs when tourism pressure exceeds a place’s capacity to absorb it without significant harm to residents’ lives, visitors’ experiences or urban functions. Sociometrica has sought to turn a subjective perception into a measurable phenomenon, using indicators including “Tourism Exposure”: the degree to which an area is exposed to pressure from tourist flows.

Sources: Sociometrica — Primo Rapporto sull'overtourism

Which Italian cities suffer from overtourism?

There is no list that applies regardless of methodology. Venice, Florence, Rome, some coastal resorts and other destinations experience high pressure, but absolute tourist numbers alone do not establish overtourism. Sociometrica has produced dedicated studies, including its first overtourism report and studies of Florence and Capri. The relevant question is: how many tourists relative to residents, space, infrastructure and destination capacity?

Sources: Sociometrica — Report e studi

How can overtourism be reduced without reducing tourism’s value?

The aim should be to reduce concentration, not necessarily economic value. Visitors can be distributed across locations and seasons, secondary attractions developed, access managed at pressure points and demand with longer stays and higher spending encouraged. Sociometrica’s approach distinguishes volume from value: a destination can experience less pressure while generating more wealth by improving the composition and distribution of demand.