Management of Overtourism and Promotion of Alternative Destinations in the Historical Context of Yazd

Context and Purpose: Overtourism in historic cities has become a significant challenge. This research aims to examine strategies for managing overtourism and assess the feasibility of promoting alternative destinations in the historic fabric of Yazd, Iran.

Design/methodology/approach: This study employs a qualitative approach with a case study strategy. Data was collected through 15 semi-structured interviews with experts from various fields of tourism and urban management, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings: The results indicate that overtourism in Yazd has created challenges such as pressure on infrastructure, damage to historic buildings, socio-cultural changes, and increased living costs for local residents. Key strategies identified include determining tourism carrying capacity, promoting alternative destinations, creating an integrated management system, increasing local community participation, utilizing new technologies, and implementing educational programs.

Conclusion: Sustainable tourism management in Yazd requires a comprehensive, multidimensional approach that considers economic, socio-cultural, and environmental aspects. Promoting alternative destinations can help reduce pressure on the historic core, but its success depends on infrastructure development, community education, and effective marketing. Future studies should examine the long-term effectiveness of the proposed strategies.

Originality/value: This research provides a comprehensive view of the challenges and strategies for managing overtourism in an Iranian historic city, focusing on the specific context of Yazd. The emphasis on the role of technology in tourism management and the importance of education and cultural awareness are innovative aspects of this research that can open new avenues for future studies.