Tourism carrying capacity research: a perspective article

Purpose This paper aims to review research on carrying capacity over two periods and provide a future perspective. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a brief review of literature and commentary. Findings A subject of potential major importance with significant implications has been relatively ignored by researchers over the past few decades. Research limitations/implications None directly, but discussion of implications if carrying capacity is not researched further. Practical implications Commentary on urgent need for research on a topic gaining a deal of attention through overtourism to provide development guidelines. Social implications Lack of limits on tourist numbers is causing significant social concern for residents of destinations who are protesting for action to limit numbers and impacts, as seen by concerns about overtourism. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is a first review of carrying capacity in the tourism literature for several years.