Unveiling the Impact of Over-tourism: A Case Study on Zakopane, Exploring Symptoms, Effects, and Strategies for Sustainable Management

Purpose: The main purpose of the considerations presented in the article was to determine the symptoms, effects and strategies for sustainable management aimed at limiting the negative effects of overtourism in Zakopane. Design/Methodology/Approach: The most important sources of data and information include the following: 1. analysis of existing data (including reports, strategies, statistical data, scientific publications) related to the area and subject of research. 2. participant observation conducted in places of concentration of tourist traffic. 3. Questionnaire interviews containing elements of in-depth interviews conducted with representatives of local authorities, associations, private and public entities in the tourism industry, commercial entities, tourists and residents of Zakopane. The original questionnaire was developed, among others, based on the results of the UNWTO report. Findings: The most important identified causes of overtourism include the following: 1. The relatively small area covered by the city and the national park, 2. Easy access to Zakopane by various means of transport and relatively close proximity to the Krakow agglomeration. 3. High level of tourist attractiveness of the place in question. 4. The influence of social media and a specific fashion for tourist stays in Zakopane. 5. Sometimes low capacity of tourist routes. 6. Lack of tools to control tourist flows. 7. Implementation of standard tourist programs, showing only the most famous places by people guiding tourists. The most important identified symptoms and effects of overtourism in Zakopane include: 1. Periodic lack of accommodation. 2. Crowds on city streets and tourist trails. 3. Communication problems, traffic jams, overcrowded public transport. 4. Social conflicts, reluctance of the local community towards tourists. 5. Increased prices of basic food products. Solutions aimed at limiting the negative impact of overtourism on Zakopane include all initiatives that contribute to "flattening" peak periods. These include the following: 1. Queue and waiting time management. 2. Promoting alternative tourist attractions (maps, tourist routes), 3. Promoting quality. 4. Dynamic control of tourist flows. 5. Regulation of the accommodation rental system. 6. Dispersion of tourist traffic in time and space. Practical Implications: The presented research results and author's recommendations have broad implementation values. Both local authorities and entrepreneurs operating in the field of tourism services may be interested in their implementation. Originality value: The original research concept as well as the adopted methodology can be considered an innovative tool for diagnosing causes and effects in overtourism not only in Zakopane, but also in other areas of strong concentration of tourist traffic.