What is Overcrowding

Ensuring sustainability at a tourist destination is a challenge which is faced by many nations. The challenge compounds since short term monetary gains often blind the desire for sustainable development. The term overtourism has gained popularity during the last few years as instances of anti-tourism reactions have been reported from several cities like Venice, Shimla, Barcelona, etc. An acceptable solution for countering overtourism has not yet been found because of the subjectivity and complexity of the situation. This chapter focuses on deconstructing the situation of overtourism in different parts of the world and how de-marketing can be used as one of the strategies for sustainable tourism. It shows the demarketing structure in marketing framework by modifying the 5As of tourism. It also shows the marketing mix framework within the domain of demarketing. It provides an insight into the role of de-marketing in striking a balance between the interests of local communities and stakeholders on one hand and enhancing the tourist experience at a destination on the other.