A systematic literature review and lexicometric analysis on overtourism: Towards an ambidextrous perspective

• Published in: Journal of environmental management Vol. 347; p. 119123
• Main Authors: Chaney, Damien, Séraphin, Hugues
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-12-2023; Elsevier
• Subjects: Ambidextrous approach; Business administration; Humanities and Social Sciences; Literature review; Overtourism; Sustainable tourism; Tourism development; Tourism perception; Literature review; Overtourism; Sustainable tourism; Ambidextrous approach; Tourism perception; Tourism development; Overtourism, Literature review, Tourism development, Sustainable tourism, Tourism perception, Ambidextrous approach
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119123

While overtourism is a relatively recent term, it has nevertheless triggered a large number of publications because of its human, environmental and social challenges. This systematic review therefore aims to take stock of the literature on overtourism. A lexicometric analysis based on 236 articles reveals that research on overtourism is highly concentrated and articulated around three main themes: the management, the experience, and the context of overtourism. The findings also suggest that academic research has so far focused on the negative impacts of overtourism. Subsequently, this study is calling for an ambidextrous approach, taking into account both the negative effects of overtourism, while also considering it as an opportunity in addressing the problem.
•We review and synthetize 236 articles on overtourism.•Research on overtourism is articulated around three main themes: the management, the experience, and the context of overtourism.•Research has so far focused on the negative impacts of overtourism.•Turning anti-tourism movements into learning tools and children into activists can be two strategies to overcome overtourism.