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Islands’ Tourism Seasonality: A Data Analysis of Mediterranean Islands’ Tourism Comparing Seasonality Indicators (2008–2018)

Author

Listed:
  • Giovanni Ruggieri

    (Department of Economics Business and Statistics, University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy)

  • Marco Platania

    (Department of Economics and Business, University of Catania, Palazzo delle Scienze, Corso Italia, 55, 95129 Catania, Italy)

Abstract

Tourism seasonality as a tourist demand concentration in specific seasons is still a big challenge for Mediterranean islands’ tourism policies. Overtourism occurs during high tourist seasons, and undertourism occurs during low tourist seasons, creating undesirable economic, social, and environmental effects on sustainability. However, the imbalance of tourism demand, specifically in fragile territories such as islands, needs specific policies based on scientific evidence. This article examines tourism seasonality dynamics in the Mediterranean islands, thoroughly analysing tourist overnights on island destinations. The adopted methodology uses a set of statistical indicators, such as peak factor intensity, calculated in a time series analysis from 2008 to 2018. The results of this article allow us to understand the importance for the Mediterranean islands to plan a resilient, sustainable, and harmonious tourism policy, using strategies to contain seasonal peaks and creating new tourist demand in the low season months.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovanni Ruggieri & Marco Platania, 2024. "Islands’ Tourism Seasonality: A Data Analysis of Mediterranean Islands’ Tourism Comparing Seasonality Indicators (2008–2018)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-15, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:9:p:3674-:d:1384510
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Tom Baum, 1999. "Seasonality in Tourism: Understanding the Challenges," Tourism Economics, , vol. 5(1), pages 5-8, March.
    2. Giovanni Ruggieri & Marco Platania & Julian Zarb, 2022. "Island Development Model Specialisation: A Panel Data Analysis Comparing Evolutionary Tourism Model, Industrial to Community-Based (2010–2019)," Economies, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-13, August.
    3. Mr. Chris Becker, 2012. "Small Island States in the Pacific: the Tyranny of Distance," IMF Working Papers 2012/223, International Monetary Fund.
    4. Russell Campbell, 1995. "Managing Seasonality: Hotels in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland," Working Papers 82., Department of Accounting, Economics & Languages, University of Paisley.
    5. Lino Briguglio & Gordon Cordina & Nadia Farrugia & Stephanie Vella, 2009. "Economic Vulnerability and Resilience: Concepts and Measurements," Oxford Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(3), pages 229-247.
    6. Douglas Jeffrey & Robin R. D. Barden, 1999. "An Analysis of the Nature, Causes and Marketing Implications of Seasonality in the Occupancy Performance of English Hotels," Tourism Economics, , vol. 5(1), pages 69-91, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Angelos Ntalakos & Konstantinos Skagias & Dimitrios Belias & Ioannis Rossidis, 2025. "Navigating Sustainable Features: A Comparative Analysis of Sustainable Tourism in Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros," Tourism and Hospitality, MDPI, vol. 6(4), pages 1-33, September.

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