Abstract
The tourism sector is a significant economic pillar in South Tyrol. Along with an increase in arrivals and overnight stays, the number of upscale tourism facilities also rose in recent years. This expansion, both quantitatively and qualitatively, even picked up speed after the pandemic and raises concerns about overtourism in the Northern Italian Region. In tourism and especially when it comes to overtourism many different aspects and perspectives have to be considered. The existing regulations in South Tyrol regarding tourism seem unsatisfactory and in this chapter the authors argue that a comprehensive, sustainable and well-planned tourism policy is needed. Such a tourism policy should incorporate elements of political, cultural and social life and consider perspectives from different stakeholders and local citizens. This contribution discusses issues regarding the development of tourism in South Tyrol, presents literature on tourism policy and proposes various measures for an integrated tourism policy in South Tyrol. The contribution is based on a study on tourism in South Tyrol conducted by the Eurac Research Center for Advanced Studies. The authors are part of the research team that worked on the study. The paper reflects the results of this study.