Overtourism in Istanbul: an interpretative study of non-governmental organizational views

ABSTRACT

Although increases in tourist arrivals and crowding are the most clearly perceived indicators of overtourism, it is necessary to identify the different political, legal, economic, and cultural phenomena that determine the perception of overtourism in cities. This study aims to identify critical steps for similar destinations to solve the problem of overtourism by exemplifying which critical factors are associated with the perception of overtourism in Istanbul. A case study design was chosen within the scope of the qualitative method. Data were obtained via semi-structured interviews and subjected to content analysis. Interviews were conducted with representatives of NGOs operating in Istanbul. The findings revealed three main themes regarding the perception of overtourism: indicators of the current situation, indicators of overtourism, and indicators of reaction. While the tourist profile and regional agglomeration stand out as the problems of current tourism, public space, housing, and gentrification, policies without governance are emphasized as overtourism problems. Development in urbanization, urban culture, and urban consciousness are key reactions recommended. Unlike many other destinations, it has been determined that the phenomenon of overtourism in Istanbul is perceived and questioned not by the number of tourists but by the criticism of the policies implemented.

KEYWORDS:

• Overtourism
• non-governmental organizations
• tourism policies in cities
• Istanbul/Turkey

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Koray Genç

Koray Genç is Doctor at the Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Turkey. He completed his doctorate in the field of tourism and works in the tourism department. His research interests include tourism marketing, sustainable tourism, alternative tourism and overtourism.

Oğuz Türkay

Oguz Turkay (Phd) is Professor at the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department, Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, Turkey. His research interests are mainly based on behavior and social interactions in tourism. In addition, issues such as environmental management in tourism and, strategic management of destinations are also some areas that he has produced some papers.