Exploring Overtourism in the Mediterranean Region

Overtourism has gained significant attention in recent years, often associated with the rapid growth of tourism in popular destinations. This phenomenon is driven by factors such as increased global travel, the rise of low-cost airlines, and changing consumer preferences. In particular, Mediterranean islands, including Sardinia, experience seasonal peaks in tourist arrivals, placing considerable pressure on local infrastructure, resources, and communities. This study introduces a place-based methodology to assess overtourism by analyzing a series of indicators and visualizing their spatial distribution using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) maps. By applying this approach to Sardinia, we aim to identify areas most susceptible to overtourism and inform sustainable tourism policies. Applying this methodological framework to the geographic context of Sardinia, the objective of this study is to delineate areas exhibiting heightened susceptibility to overtourism. The first results reveal that overtourism in Sardinia is concentrated in specific locations and time periods, primarily during the summer season. This spatial and temporal clustering highlights the need for strategies to distribute tourist flows more evenly throughout the year and across different destinations. The resultant spatial analysis will furnish empirical evidence to inform the formulation of evidence-based policies aimed at fostering sustainable tourism management within the region to promote a more sustainable and inclusive tourism industry in Mediterranean islands.