The Problem of Overtourism in Slow Cities

This study provides a comprehensive examination of the overtourism in slow cities from the perspectives of tourism academics. A qualitative research method was utilized, employing structured interviews. The research was conducted with 15 tourism academics and the participants were selected by purposive sampling method. The study aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the causes and consequences associated with overtourism. The research data were analyzed according to the thematic analysis method and the findings were determined. The findings indicate that the impact of social media, inadequate tourism planning, and curiosity about slow cities are among the main causes of overtourism. The consequences of overtourism include environmental degradation, local people’s quality of life, and increased traffic congestion. The study proposes several solutions such as limiting tourism supply, reducing promotional activities, and raising awareness among local people to mitigate overtourism. Furthermore, the importance of implementing policies to preserve the unique characteristics of slow cities and ensure their sustainability has also been emphasized.