Mountains Under Pressure: Smart Solutions for Overtourism

Abstract

Mountain destinations worldwide are facing mounting challenges from overtourism, threatening their natural ecosystems, local cultures, and infrastructure. As visitor numbers surge, the pressure on fragile environments results in issues such as overcrowding, pollution, habitat degradation, and resource overuse. This study explores innovative and sustainable strategies to mitigate the impacts of overtourism while promoting long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits. Key solutions include visitor caps, dynamic pricing models, community-led tourism, infrastructure upgrades, and the promotion of off-peak travel. Emphasizing collaboration among stakeholders—governments, local communities, and businesses—the paper highlights the need for proactive, data-driven management to balance conservation with economic growth. Through case studies and best practices, this research offers practical insights for creating resilient mountain destinations capable of thriving in the face of increasing tourism demands.