Metaverse and overtourism: positive and negative impacts of tourism development on local residents

Purpose – Tourism is a dynamic phenomenon that has evolved constantly, generating both positive impacts, such as economic growth and employment opportunities and negative effects, such as environmental degradation and price increases. This study examines the role of metaverse satisfaction as a media...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Gil Cordero, Eloy, Maldonado López, Belén, Ledesma Chaves, Pablo
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repositorio:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:idus.us.es:11441/177822
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/11441/177822
https://doi.org/10.1108/JMD-12-2024-0416
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Overtourism
Positive and negative impacts
Seville
Cagliari
Metaverse
Descripción
Sumario:Purpose – Tourism is a dynamic phenomenon that has evolved constantly, generating both positive impacts, such as economic growth and employment opportunities and negative effects, such as environmental degradation and price increases. This study examines the role of metaverse satisfaction as a mediating variable between the perceived positive and negative impacts of tourism development. Design/methodology/approach – The study analyzes data from two culturally similar tourist destinations, Spain and Italy, involving 864 participants. A structural equation modeling approach was employed using SmartPLS software to evaluate the mediating role of metaverse satisfaction in the relationship between tourism impacts and perceptions of development. Findings – The findings confirm that metaverse satisfaction significantly mediates the relationship between positive and negative impacts on tourism development perceptions. This indicates that emerging technologies like the metaverse can mitigate the adverse effects of tourism while enhancing its positive aspects. Originality/value – This study addresses a critical gap in the literature by exploring the intersection of emerging technologies and tourism development, focusing on the metaverse – a novel and under-researched area in the tourism domain. It highlights the potential of the metaverse to act as a mediator, balancing the dual impacts of tourism. Given the increasing challenges posed by overtourism and its effects on local communities, this research provides essential insights into how technological innovations can support more sustainable and equitable tourism practices. The findings offer a unique perspective, emphasizing the urgent need to integrate advanced digital tools into tourism management strategies.