Abstract

This paper argues that it is necessary to define and implement the concept of carrying capacity as a critical aspect for facilitating planning in the tourism process. In order to achieve this aim, this article shows how the growth of Bournemouth may exceed the environmental and ecological carrying capacity of Hengistbury Head, using the case study approach. The paper, therefore, studies the concept of carrying capacity alternatives to this model and includes a set of proposed solutions for determining, managing, controlling and increasing the environmental carrying capacity of a tourist destination. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.