Tourism seasonality–an overview

Despite the fact of being the most prominent characteristic of tourism, tourism seasonality still remains a phenomenon. Almost all world destinations are facing seasonal concentration of tourist activities. The peaking of tourist demand in few hectic weeks or months is resulting in inefficient use of tourism facilities and pressure on the ecological and sociocultural carrying capacity. Strategies and policies to extend the main season and develop additional seasons are needed. The assumption is good understanding of tourism seasonality. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of present tourism seasonality research findings. The research examines 64 literature sources classifying findings into four categories, namely: definition, causes, implications and strategies. The paper concludes that considerable gaps in the literature, as well as, in the understanding of tourism seasonality exist. The study contributes to the theoretical and practical knowledge of tourism seasonality.