To regulate or not to regulate: The destination management dilemma in handling the intensity of tourism

Regulatory measures can effectively mitigate tourism intensity, particularly when explicitly targeted at tourism. A study on the Historic Centre of Florence, Italyreveals that while tourism has driven economic growth, it has also led to resource exploitation and environmental degradation. Using a mixed-methods approach, researchers found a negative correlation between regulatory pressure and tourism intensity, with policies aimed at tourism showing the strongest impact. Notably, tourism intensity was unaffected by city tax levels but positively linked to inflation and hospitality rates. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers seeking to balance sustainable tourism development with the preservation of cultural heritage.

Miccini, R., Ciappei, C., & Liberatore, G. (2026). To regulate or not to regulate: The destination management dilemma in handling the intensity of tourism. Tourism Management, 115, 105399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2026.105399