Effects of Tourist Perceptions of Overtourism Management on Policy Support

Effects of Tourist Perceptions of Overtourism Management on Policy Support

Purpose: This study explores how tourists' perceptions of overtourism management influence their support for policies designed to regulate tourist behavior and mitigate the negative impacts of overtourism, utilizing social exchange theory. Design/methodology/approach: The study participants are domestic tourists who have visited Venice, Italy, for leisure and are aware of the issues related to overtourism. The online survey was conducted from November 8th to 22nd, 2023, and targeted adults over the age of 20 using convenience sampling. Out of 172 distributed surveys, 127 responses passed the screening questions. Exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis were applied. Findings: Sustainability positively and significantly influenced tourist support for policies regulating both numbers and behavior, while Urban Infrastructure only positively affected support for policies regulating behavior. However, Tourism Infrastructure does not have a significant effect on either policy. Research limitations/implications: To enhance policy support, destination managers and policymakers need to clearly communicate to tourists how the policies contribute to the sustainability of destinations and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. Originality/value: Overtourism currently has a negative impact on numerous tourist destinations, with sustainable tourism offering a viable solution to mitigate these adverse effects. This study demonstrated that the effectiveness of this approach depends not only on the initiatives undertaken by the destinations themselves but also on the support of tourists. The findings indicate that tourists' support for policies is driven by their perceptions of sustainability and effective destination management.