LAUSR

Tourism is a dynamic industry due to changes in the consumer market, and its constant development impacts the host community. Although the adverse outcomes of tourism are not a new phenomenon, new dynamics make this issue of ongoing importance. Governments see the activity primarily as fostering economic development in developing countries with little concern about possible overtourism. This paper aims to identify which indicators influence residents’ perceptions of tourist saturation as an indication of overtourism. These perceptions are examined as a multidimensional construct, comprised of several indicators, namely environmental, cultural, behavioral, public services, benefits, and economic costs. The proposed model is assessed with a sample of 477 residents in coastal destinations of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The results show that the perception of excessive numbers of tourists is increased by environmental indicators, economic costs, and behavioral indicators. These indicators contribute to a greater perception of overtourism. In contrast, the indicators of economic benefits and public services show a negative relationship with the perception of overtourism. This research indicates that when the population realizes the economic benefits and has access to quality public services, the perception of overtourism is lower. The findings contribute to the literature on overtourism in certain destinations.