Purpose

This study aims to address the issue of overtourism, its causes and impacts and propose a strategy based on a theoretical overtourism matrix to be applied to the Nainital city.

Design/methodology/approach

Reports on rules and regulations from government authorities, court orders and newspaper reports were studied to understand the severity of overtourism. Focus interviews were undertaken, and monthly tourist arrival data for 13 years is analysed to gauge the levels of overtourism.

Findings

The study identifies the factors such as communication gaps, lack of stakeholders’ participation and non-availability of the tourism development plan as the primary reasons for the absence of sustainable overtourism solution. The study finds the extent of overtourism and its adverse effects on Nainital and underlines the need for policy interventions and optimal management of resources. The findings of this study highlight the need for sustainable long-term strategies.

Research limitations/implications

Overtourism can be understood and analysed in a better way with more granular data level.

Practical implications

The strategies presented can be applied at the policy level in the small- and mid-sized cities that are on hills or near the waterbody-side and experience mostly day and budget travellers. The understanding of resident–tourist interaction and impacts will help in preparing a better sustainable tourism development plan. The practical strategies of overtourism issues may be implemented for tourism experience and development.

Originality/value

This study investigates, for the first time, the impact of overtourism and offers strategies for an Indian city. This study will help tourism managers in developing policies for sustainable tourism development of hill cities or waterbody-side in India.

中文翻译：

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印度城市的过度旅游：奈尼塔尔的案例研究

目的

本研究旨在解决过度旅游问题、其原因和影响，并提出一种基于理论过度旅游矩阵的策略，适用于奈尼塔尔市。

设计/方法/方法

研究了政府当局的规章制度报告、法院命令和报纸报道，以了解过度旅游的严重性。进行了重点访谈，并分析了 13 年的月度游客到达数据，以衡量过度旅游的程度。

发现

该研究确定了沟通差距、缺乏利益相关者参与和旅游发展计划不可用等因素是缺乏可持续的过度旅游解决方案的主要原因。该研究发现了过度旅游的程度及其对奈尼塔尔的不利影响，并强调了政策干预和资源优化管理的必要性。这项研究的结果强调了可持续的长期战略的必要性。

研究限制/影响

通过更细粒度的数据级别，可以更好地理解和分析过度旅游。

实际影响

所介绍的策略可应用于位于丘陵或靠近水体一侧且主要体验日间和预算旅行者的中小型城市的政策层面。了解居民与游客的互动和影响将有助于制定更好的可持续旅游发展计划。过度旅游问题的实践策略可用于旅游体验和发展。

原创性/价值

本研究首次调查过度旅游的影响，并为印度城市提供策略。这项研究将帮助旅游管理者制定印度山区城市或水体方面的可持续旅游发展政策。