Overtourism Challenges and Strategies for Cultural Heritage Sites: A Case Study of the UNESCO Sites of Rome and Regensburg

This thesis examines the impact of overtourism on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Rome and Regensburg. The objective is to propose sustainable solutions and strategies that balance the growth of tourism with the preservation of cultural heritage and the well-being of local communities. Qualitative research and case study analysis will be employed to examine the specific challenges faced by these cities due to overtourism and to identify strategies for mitigating its impact. By examining visitor management strategies and sustainable tourism initiatives implemented in other cities, such as Dubrovnik and Amsterdam, the thesis develops a comprehensive catalogue of solutions tailored to the needs of Rome and Regensburg. The study employs the Tourism Area Life Cycle Model and empirical data to evaluate the current extent of overtourism in both cities and proposes recommendations for more effective tourism management while safeguarding cultural assets for future generations. Although the phenomenon of overtourism is a relatively new area of research within the field of tourism, it has attracted increasing attention since 2017. Despite the growing body of literature on this topic, research on long-term solutions and management strategies remains limited. This thesis aims to address this gap by providing actionable insights and strategies for heritage sites facing the challenges of overtourism.