The Impact of Overtourism on Sustainable Development

Abstract

The primary objective of this paper is to evaluate the state of coastal tourism and its impacts on the local community of Sanxenxo. First of all, encourage the transformation process towards tourism innovation that integrates environmental, socio-economic, and territorial sustainability and offers future strategies that can help mitigate overtourism and the exploitation of coastal resources. Local communities face numerous challenges, from climate change to over-demand tourism, so seeking a balance between tourist potential and good quality of life is vital. This requires a plan that places environmental responsibility at the core of tourism policies, with a focus on sustaining the economic success of a destination, enhancing the variety of tourist experiences, elevating standards of excellence, involving the local population, minimizing the environmental impact, and contributing to energy conservation. By investing in measures that contribute to the respect and preservation of the environment, the settlement of Sanxenxo can reduce its emissions, avoid the concentration of tourist crowds and raise public awareness. 

To reference this paper:

Ribas Vera, G., 2024. The impact of Overtourism on Sustainable Development: The case of Sanxenxo, Galicia. In Towards Circular: Analysis of the coastal areas of Greece, Italy and Spain. Edited by Skupchenko, J.K. Think Tank AlterContacts. Available at: https://www.altercontacts.org/publications/towards-circular-2024/es-sd-4 

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.36600.46083

Introduction

The World Tourism Organization in 2005 defined the concept of sustainable Tourism as "one whose practices and principles can apply to all forms of tourism in all types of destinations, including mass tourism and the various niche tourism segments" (UNWTO, n.d). Sustainability refers to environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development; the balance between these three principles must be established to guarantee long-term sustainability (UNWTO, n.d). 

This research article focuses on Sanxenxo, a municipality in Galicia, Spain, located on the coast of the Pontevedra province. Its population was 17.837 inhabitants in 2023 (INE, 2023). Sanxenxo is one of the famous tourist destinations. Coastal tourism in Spain has been growing significantly in the last decades, which poses important questions for ensuring its sustainability. Environmental preservation, cultural authenticity, and the profitability of tourist activity are the keys to the development of sustainable tourism. This study aims to analyze the consequences of overtourism in Sanxenxo and identify behavioral, economic, and social factors that will allow sustainable tourism development. It is necessary to take into consideration that Spain is a country that is highly dependent on tourism. In 2019, it was the second-world destination in terms of international tourist arrivals (83.3 million), with 92.5 EUR billion in tourism revenue, 2.8 million direct jobs, and a contribution to GDP of 14.2% (INE, 2020).

"Overtourism is the excessive growth of visitors leading to overcrowding in areas where the residents suffer the consequences of temporary and seasonal tourism peaks, which have enforced permanent changes to their lifestyles, access to amenities, and general well-being" (Milano C., 2018). Its impact on coastal communities such as Sanxenxo results in rental property speculation and raises the cost of living for the local residents. Also, it creates physical and visual pollution (Milano C., 2018). This study presents a literature review of the relationship between the variables affecting tourism in Sanxenxo and local life, including alternatives to the situation. 

The main aims of this paper are: 

1. Provide an understanding of the concept of circular economy and the social dynamics through tourism. 

2. Describe and discuss the specificities of tourism in Sanxenxo and coastal communities, as well as the economic and political context.

3. Identify opportunities for tourism businesses to adopt a circular economy and implement good practices to transform the industry. 

4. Review the limitations of sustainable tourism in coastal communities. 

Tourism in Sanxenxo

The last decades have seen a continuous quantitative growth of tourism on a global scale. Travel has become a necessity, and the rapid increase in tourist flows is creating problems of overload and posing major challenges to destination management. Sanxenxo is one of the key destinations on the Galician coast. Sanxenxo tourism generates more than 85% of the local GDP and more than 70% of the local direct employment, according to the Ministry of Finance and Public Administrations. The location multiplies the number of its residents 7.5 times during the summer season. According to the Mancomunidade report, in 2023, Sanxenxo received 71.015 tourists during July-August (Gago, n.d.). This territorial reality has revealed a decline in the tourist experience; in fact, the main tourist product of Sanxenxo is "sun and beach" (Patiño Romanís, 2016). A successful product but one that has been deteriorating as a result of the proliferation of real estate construction along its coastline. It has become a model of tourism development where care for the environment and natural features is a secondary component. 

Nowadays, the coastline is highly urbanized and excessively densified in certain stretches, generating contrasts in the landscape and economy between the coastal area and the inland. Residential tourist development is the result of the absence of integrated coastal management and action policies. The local population is faced with systematic non-compliance with urban planning discipline. The treatment of this urban tourism growth is a key element to achieve sustainable tourism development. There is an increase in the level of demand for environmental quality in the new tourist profile, and the number of people visiting the area is increasing, but there is not enough planning for the area. Therefore, this growing industry has created important challenges to guaranteeing sustainable growth (Patiño Romanís, 2016). 

The local population grows every year. There were notable increases in 2006 (1.90% respectively from 2005) and 2021 (1.27% respectively). In recent years, the population has maintained moderate and stable growth. It is probable that the surge in real estate prices and the rise in tourism have played a pivotal role in Spain's overall economic expansion. During the pandemic, displacement to less densely populated areas and domestic tourism increased, reflecting a notable growth in Sanxenxo's population. 

Population growth in Sanxenxo has been influenced by a combination of economic, real estate and tourism factors. The peak years of growth are due to periods of economic boom and resilience in the tourism sector, while recent increases are partly due to changes in residential dynamics due to the pandemic. 

According to Agencia de Turismo de Galicia, in 2019, Sanxenxo had the highest number of places in regulated tourist accommodations, surpassing Santiago de Compostela. It should also be noted that it has the highest number of hotels. However, supply exceeds demand, given that according to the data on visitor arrivals and overnight stays, there is an underutilization of supply. From a dynamic perspective, the supply of hotel beds in Sanxenxo experienced an exceptional progression in the period from 2003 to 2019. The monthly evolution of the bed supply in hotels shows a marked seasonality in the location. According to EOH (Encuesta de Ocupación Hotelera, INE), the supply in December in Sanxenxo only makes up 11.41% of the supply in August. 

Due to the problems caused by the imbalance in tourism, the local communities are becoming less friendly to visitors because of crowding, noise, and higher rents (UNWTO). The term overtourism comes from and is directly connected to these unsustainable outcomes, where the local residents feel that there are too many visitors and that the quality of life or experience has deteriorated (Responsible Tourism, 2019). Additionally, over-frequency generates an overload of infrastructure and negatively affects nature, culture, and local heritage. 

The issue of overtourism arises for all stakeholders, both directly and indirectly, involved in the tourism industry (Milano, 2017). The challenges associated with over-tourism include but are not limited to the effects of alienated residents, diminished quality of tourism experience, overburdened infrastructure, harm to the environment, and a threat to culture and heritage (Peeters, 2018). Territories have limits on how much they can withstand human pressure, and when these limits are exceeded, degradation processes start to make the resources of the destinations less valuable and make tourism less viable in the long run. 

The tourist sector and mostly the coastal communities are facing a global scenario marked by structural change, a need for transformation prompted by the changes that have occurred in both the configuration of the products on offer and the new traveler profile. The competitiveness of the tourism sector is closely linked to its sustainability since the quality of tourist destinations depends greatly on their natural and cultural environment and the attitudes of the local community (Parlamento Europeo, 2017).  

The process of tourist functionalization in Sanxenxo initially occurred in the areas adjacent to beaches (Silgar, Canelas, Paxariñas, and others) and subsequently impacted fertile agricultural landscapes and urban real estate of the town. This process is reflected in a highly urbanized seafront, which is excessively dense in certain areas. It creates contrasts between the coastal and inland parts of the settlement. The lack of integrated coastal management and action policies has led to residential tourism development. Public administration is key to providing Sanxenxo with a wide tourist offer, better value, greater sustainability, less seasonality, and boosting its image in the tourist market. Overtourism is a shared responsibility; there are limits to growth, and prioritizing the welfare of residents above the needs of global tourism is vital. 

In Figure "Evolution of national tourism in Sanxenxo from July 2019 to April 2024" from INE, the author observed the monthly progression of national tourism in Sanxenxo from August 2019 to April 2024, based on the data presented.  The yearly increase in the number of tourists during the months of July and August is consistent with the typical seasonality of summer tourism in coastal regions. For example, August 2021 saw a peak of 103,453 domestic tourists due to the impact of the pandemic the previous year. During the first months of 2020, a drastic drop in tourism was observed due to travel restrictions and confinements, with April and May recording very low numbers, 1,166 and 1,309, respectively. Domestic tourism showed a distinct recovery in 2021, with a notable surge during the summer months due to the post-pandemic recovery. As it was mentioned before, the data for August 2021 exceeds any other month in the period studied. 

The months outside of the high season, from November to March, show a gradual increase in domestic tourism in recent years, suggesting a growing interest in visiting Sanxenxo outside of the traditional tourist season. 

Sanxenxo is a destination where regulation of urban growth for tourist uses is a key element to ensure that tourism development is effective and sustainable so that the carrying capacity is not exceeded in certain areas during the summer period and the loss of landscape identity is limited. The identification and division of these geographical regions will be crucial in the processes of rejuvenation and reorganization of tourism. Each coastal area needs to be treated in a specific way that fits its territorial profile. Planning is needed to renovate or restructure Sanxenxo's tourist territory. Those strategic lines of territorial intervention aimed at guiding Sanxenxo towards desirable competitiveness as a tourist destination are determined by the planning of a more sustainable way to preserve attractiveness and keep the local people happy. To achieve this, it is essential to have an infrastructure for territorial analysis and reflection that provides the necessary knowledge for the design of the most appropriate strategy. Also, this approach must achieve the balance between the optimal tourist experience and a local benefit. 

Circular economy and sustainable tourism

The scope of the circular economy (CE) is a systemic transformation and, therefore, has the potential to transform production, services, and consumption within entire value chains and across different value chains, thus closing resource loops in all economic activities (Hislop & Hill, 2011). A circular economy goes beyond the pursuit of weight preservation and waste reduction to achieve technological, organizational, and social innovation throughout the value chain to eliminate waste from the beginning (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2013). "Circularity is a strategic approach for the tourism sector, notably from the point of view of minimizing its environmental impacts, including waste and pollution as well as CO2 emissions, given the potential of a circular economy to decouple economic growth from resource use" (UNWTO, n.d). 

The circular economy encourages the development of strategies that guarantee the coordination of upstream decisions in the value chain with downstream activities and actors. CE strategies establish connections among producers, distributors, consumers, and recyclers, establish incentives for each of these actors, and facilitate the distribution of costs and benefits across all actors in the value chain. 

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (Ellen MacArthur Foundation & McKinsey Center for Business and Environment, 2015), the key principles of CE are: 

1. Conserve and enhance natural capital by managing finite resources and balancing renewable sources. Applying this principle in Sanxenxo could promote the responsible use of natural resources such as water and energy. For example, by installing renewable energy systems in hotels and tourist buildings, such as solar panels or small wind turbines, water management policies could be implemented to promote the efficient use and reuse of treated water for irrigation or other non-potable purposes. Similarly, a modification in public illumination can be implemented by utilizing renewable technologies on the promenade of Silgar Beach. 

2. Ensure optimal resource yields by continuously circulating products, components, and materials that are in use at their highest utility in both technical and biological cycles. For example, promote recycling and reuse of materials in the construction and maintenance of tourism infrastructure: Use recycled or locally sourced materials in the construction of new hotels or renovations, as well as encourage product reuse practices among tourists (e.g., through exchange programs for books, beach toys, etc.)

3. Enhance system efficiency by revealing and eliminating negative effects. For example: Implement practices to minimize waste generation and pollution. Promote the use of reusable and biodegradable packaging in restaurants and tourist establishments. Also, efficient waste management systems could be established that include separation at source and separate collection for recycling. 

The practices mentioned would not only help preserve the area's unique natural environment but also promote a more responsible tourism model. This would attract tourists interested in eco-friendly destinations and benefit the local community by reducing operating costs and improving the environmental image of the region. Human activity causes tonnes of marine litter to accumulate in the oceans every year, threatening marine biodiversity and causing damage to human health and the environment. There is a project in the coastal communities of Galicia, including Sanxenxo, called Upcycling the Oceans which Ecoembes and Fundación Ecoalf initiated. This project aims to recover waste that should never have been dumped in the ocean and repurpose it through recycling and a circular economy. Upcycling the Oceans relies on the commitment and collaboration of fishermen who, on a volunteer basis, take the marine litter recovered from their nets to land so that it can be recycled and transformed. Every year, an estimated 8 million tonnes of waste are dumped at the bottom of the oceans, and one of the most prevalent waste materials in the oceans is plastic (Ecoembes, 2023). This project serves as an appeal and as an example to both local citizens and tourists to raise awareness among those impacted by pollution and overtourism that a modest gesture can yield significant results. 

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO, n.d) publication titled "Tourism Highlights", the EU is a major tourist destination. Tourism has the potential to contribute towards employment and economic growth and play a significant role in Spanish regions, including Sanxenxo. Tourism infrastructure contributes to local development, while jobs created or maintained can help counteract industrial or rural decline. Tourism in coastal communities such as Sanxenxo depends strongly upon the attractiveness of the destination and its natural resources. That is why it is important to note the consequences that tourism has on the environment and the pressure that it can create on local resources. Besides land use, it requires heavy usage of resources such as water, energy, and food. 

According to UNWTO, the main principles that sustainable tourism follows are: 

1. Natural and cultural resources are conserved for continued use in the future while providing benefits for the future.

Sanxenxo could implement environmental management policies that protect its natural resources, such as beaches, marine ecosystems, and nearby natural spaces. These policies could include promoting sustainable fishing practices, conserving protected areas, and promoting local cultural heritage through tourism activities that respect cultural authenticity and minimize negative impacts. 

2. Tourism development is planned and managed in a way that doesn't cause serious environmental or socio-cultural problems. For example, clear regulations and guidelines for the development of tourism infrastructure should be established to avoid serious environmental problems, such as overexploitation of resources or landscape degradation. Limit the size and density of new tourism developments to maintain environmental quality and ensure that infrastructures are harmoniously integrated with the existing natural and cultural environment. 

3. Environmental quality is maintained and improved. Implement measures to continuously monitor and improve water quality, waste management, and air pollution in tourist areas. This could include environmental certification of tourism establishments, promotion of sustainable building practices and adoption of clean technologies in transport and energy management.

4. Efforts are made to maintain a high level of visitor satisfaction, and the destination retains its prestige and commercial potential. Encourage tourism experiences that are authentic, educational, and respectful of the local community and environment. This could include tours guided by locals that promote local culture and history, as well as the offering of local products in gastronomy and handicrafts.

5. The benefits of tourism are shared throughout society. Ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed equitably among local people and small businesses. This could be achieved by supporting community-based tourism initiatives, training in tourism skills, and promoting local products in the tourism supply chain.

These principles make tourism a strategic tool for local economic development, and it offers opportunities to emerging local businesses; it has to be considered that even though this is a sector that requires heavy investments and infrastructure and equipment, it also requires local labor. In order to achieve the integrity of tourism and ensure sustainability, the following principles should be taken into account (UNWTO, n.d): Learning about the culture, politics and economy of the community tourist visit, in this case, the situation in Sanxenxo; Expecting and valuing regional customs; Contribution to understanding and tolerance among cultures; Preserving the authenticity of local traditions and preserving cultural heritage; Buying local products and helping small and medium businesses; Finding environmentally conscious businesses. 

Thirty years ago, according to UNWTO, a new concept emerged in Spain: ecotourism. The definition represents a viable option for the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the communities while promoting the notion of sustainable economic development. Ecotourism must involve (UNWTO, n.d) minimal impacts on the environment, active participation of local communities, conservation education, and the maximization of economic benefits to the communities. The idea is to make it a source of income that enables them to meet their financial requirements. Ecotourism educates and inspires the communities that reside in the coastal communities to become its most committed advocates. 

Agenda for future action

Understanding how a more balanced version of tourism can be implemented, it is importat to keep track of the local limitations. To implement sustainable tourism in Sanxenxo, there are a few key areas that are relevant to operational and financial assessments.

First, project planning and management, short—and long-term, should identify policies that can be changed in terms of construction in the coastal area, such as hotels or mass tourism sites. Biodiversity is decreasing, and coastal communities that rely on fishing are less viable than in the past. It's vital to consider a change towards sustainable tourism.

Secondly, develop and implement education, awareness-raising, and information activities on environmental and responsible tourism for visitors, local people, and travel agencies. Exchanging ideas at online and offline events and forums on sustainable tourism and good practices could be beneficial. 

Thirdly, encourage and facilitate the adoption of environmental and tourism codes of ethics among the stakeholders operating in the industry. Establishing environmental certification of the sector's services and promoting the sustainability of tourism operations in the medium term. 

Lastly, establish contact with multilateral organizations dedicated to the subject to learn the state-of-the-art practices and relevant experiences. It would enrich the framework and systematize communications to transfer them to research centers and other institutions related to the problem. 

The success of future actions depends on the success of the investment with high social and commercial returns. Promotional and marketing activities play an important role in promoting, disseminating, and expanding social tourism opportunities generated to make them accessible to the market (G. Tapia, 2024). 

The situation in Sanxenxo is critical, and the main solution is sustainable tourism. There is an initiative to monitor the energy consumption, water consumption, and waste generated by the municipality from different suppliers and companies managing public services, as well as from users interested in sharing their information. This will be great to carry out more efficient and sustainable management of municipalities (Tecnohotel, 2019). The organizations that are involved in this project are Benidorm's town hall, OMT, and Ecoembes. By applying technology to the management of tourist flows, we can reduce the saturation and manage the reception capacity with sensory elements. 

The main indicators that will enable sustainable tourism activities in Sanxenxo are the tourist load—the difference between the number of tourists and the local population—tourist satisfaction with the new community organization, water and air pollution in protected areas, and the use of alternative energies.

Sanxenxo is in a category where the difficulties extend to a type of tourism where second homes dominate the supply of accommodation. This decreases profitability and suffers from higher seasonality. This is one of the main limitations of applying sustainable tourism practices. The investment must contribute to shaping a richer and more inclusive tourism model and allow them to reposition themselves and incorporate cultural and natural habitats. 

The municipality faces big economic, environmental, and social challenges. The augmentation of the floating population poses a challenge for the administration of public services. For the local community, the key lies in maximizing the advantages of the destination, such as the concentration of services, while minimizing the drawbacks associated with overtourism. 

Conclusion

Sustainable tourism is an activity that has wide repercussions on a country's society and culture. From a strategic perspective, it promotes social inclusion and protects the environment and the local community, respecting the culture. The main objective of the policies and programs is the attainment of objectives that require financial resources and must take into account social and geopolitical considerations. The social profitability of these projects must be favorable and generate entrepreneurial prospects.

The results expected through this new sustainable movement in Galicia are intended to improve the tourist destination by investing in key actions to increase its competitiveness. These actions will have a dynamic effect on tourist demand and the private tourism sector. It also incorporates sustainability and digitalization into the management of resources, infrastructures, and tourism products of the destinations. Furthermore, diversifying the supply of tourist destinations will contribute to generating employment and activity opportunities, redistributing tourist income, and favoring territorial cohesion and deconcentration of demand, as well as encouraging deseasonalization. 

It's also important to improve the natural capital of the tourism system, ensuring its sustainability by reducing emissions, improving waste and water management, protecting, restoring, and using ecosystems for tourism, re-naturalizing them, and introducing actions to prevent or mitigate the effects of climate change. 

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