Tourism clusters as catalysts for sustainable regional development and visitor management : insights from Cyprus

Abstract

Introduction: Tourism is a vital driver of economic growth and development, particularly in regions like Cyprus, where the industry contributes significantly to the national GDP. However, the rapid expansion of tourism, along with a lack of destination planning, often results in challenges, such as overcrowding, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that balances economic interests with the long-term sustainability of the destination. In this context, fostering stakeholder collaboration and utilizing tourism clusters have emerged as essential strategies for enhancing Tourism Carrying Capacity (TCC) and promoting sustainable tourism management (Perkins et al, 2022). Stakeholders, including local communities, government bodies, tourism operators, and environmental groups, play a critical role in shaping the development and management of tourism. Collaborative efforts among these stakeholders are key to overcoming barriers to sustainable tourism, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered and that tourism policies are inclusive and adaptive. In addition, tourism clusters—geographic concentrations of interconnected tourism-related businesses and institutions—offer strategic advantages by enabling collective action, shared resources, and innovation in addressing capacity issues.