On the path towards understanding overtourism – cruise tourism and the transportation infrastructure

Abstract

ABSTRACT Networked technical infrastructure systems are regarded as Critical Infrastructures due to the essential role they fulfil for the functioning of cities. Moreover, they are essential for the development of tourism. As a result of the yearly growth of the tourism sector, several cities are affected by the negatively perceived impacts of tourism, recently labelled as overtourism. The pressure on networked technical infrastructures caused by increasing tourist numbers turns out to be one of the effects of overtourism. Especially cruise tourism has to be addressed in this context due to its temporal and spatial concentration. This article points out that the temporal and spatial concentration of cruise tourism leads to congestions and overcrowding of the transportation infrastructure, which affects the quality of local life and the authenticity of the tourist experience. It will be argued that the criticality of the transportation infrastructure is essential for its ability to create spaces for authentic experiences. Thereby, this article is set to link infrastructure and tourism research and to contribute to a better understanding of the effects of overtourism.