Exploring the effects of “excessive tourism growth” on public health and ecosystem

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore and understand the effects of excessive tourism growth on public health, local people and the ecosystem. The secondary purpose of the study is to link excessive tourism growth to social exchange theory, in terms of interchanging key resources of tourism destinations.Design/methodology/approachThis is an exploratory study where qualitative research methods are employed. Telephone interview technique is used to obtain data from academicians who work at various universities in Turkey. Content analysis and thematic analysis with an inductive approach are made by use of MAXQDA software program.FindingsFindings reveal that the satisfaction of local people is an important gain in terms of the economy, but the destruction of the ecosystem due to the excessive crowd, in a sense, overtourism, garbage and too much waste is striking disadvantage based on the responses. Risk of contagious disease, effects on the natural environment and wastes are stated to have huge impacts on the public health and ecosystem.Practical implicationsThe study identifies some implications in terms of imbalance and unfairness among the locals who face with excessive crowds. Managing the effects of excessive tourism growth on vulnerable destinations and local people, controlling the carrying capacity in destinations with anxiety, fear, depression, health problems and low living standards should be taken under consideration. Additionally, finding ways to get rid of infectious diseases (such as increasing health checkpoints at borders, investigating the carrying capacity of destinations) is important for tourism spots.Originality/valueAs a major theoretical contribution, this study links excessive tourism growth to social exchange theory and reveals that the degree of exchanging valuable resources in the destination and the level of interaction between locals and tourists are the most critical points for the well-being of the local community and ecosystem.