Overtourism on the island of Capri: policies, strategies and solutions

The chapter discusses the issue of overtourism in Capri by charting the island's historical development as a tourist destination and examining its current challenges. Initially serving as a retreat for intellectuals and elite travellers, Capri is now a destination for mass tourism, with day-trippers accounting for over 90% of visitors. The swift expansion of tourism has resulted in overcrowding, environmental deterioration, increased housing costs, and a loss of local authenticity. Employing a case study methodology, this research delves into critical indicators of overtourism, including the Tourism Intensity Index and resident perceptions. Findings underscore the necessity for sustainable measures such as visitor quotas, seasonal redistribution, and community-based tourism initiatives. Furthermore, innovative technological solutions are suggested to diversify tourist activities and destinations on the island. Effectively addressing overtourism necessitates balancing economic benefits with the preservation of Capri’s social well-being as well as its cultural and environmental heritage, thereby ensuring long-term sustainability for residents and visitors.