Open Access255 Island tourism carrying capacity in the UNESCO Site Laurisilva of Madeira
Author(s) -
Luís Mota,
Mara Franco,
Rossana Santos
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
island studies journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.2
H-Index - 21
ISSN - 1715-2593
DOI - 10.24043/isj.143
Subject(s) - tourism , carrying capacity , recreation , resource (disambiguation) , geography , natural resource , natural (archaeology) , population , environmental planning , environmental resource management , environmental protection , business , regional science , political science , ecology , sociology , archaeology , environmental science , computer science , demography , computer network , biology , law
The Laurisilva of Madeira is an important natural resource as well as a location for nature-based tourism and recreational activities. Despite UNESCO’s concerns and recommendations for assessing tourism capacity, the local population is perceived as overusing this resource; yet precisely how many tourists visit its most popular areas remains unknown. Tourism carrying capacity (TCC) was assessed on two Rabaçal trails using a specific formulation relating physical aspects to environmental correction factors. Tourism carrying capacity was found to be below theoretical limits, and trail access was not restricted despite being a major concern in natural resource management.