Statistical indicators for the identification of sustainable territories and environmental tourism

Abstract Tourism plays a vital role not only as an economic driver but also in promoting environmental awareness, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering social interaction. Despite its potential to support traditional economies and enhance local quality of life, tourism often suffers from unsustainable practices, particularly in areas experiencing high seasonal pressure and lacking adequate planning. To address this gap, this study investigates the interaction between tourism and territorial sustainability at the municipal level in the Apulia region (Southern Italy), an area where tourism development is spatially uneven and under-researched. Using the DBSCAN (Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise) algorithm, we analyze a set of sustainability and tourism-related indicators to identify spatial clusters of municipalities with similar performance. The results reveal distinct clusters of high-performing municipalities in terms of both tourism activity and sustainability, offering valuable insights for targeted regional planning and policymaking.