Technical INSTO Webinar on: Tourism Seasonality

• All Regions
• 27 Jul 21

Tuesday, 27 July 2021 | 15:00 CEST (Madrid Time)

Most tourist destinations in the world are affected by the phenomenon of seasonality. Destinations with high fluctuations in seasonality often face various challenges, such as overcrowding, high prices, inadequate infrastructure in peak seasons, as well as a lack of services and job opportunities in shoulder and low seasons. Seasonality is a measurable feature with significant economic and social impacts.

Understanding the main characteristics can help to modify its occurrence. Causes can be natural such as the seasons and related climate conditions, or institutional such as public and school holidays. Consequently, seasonality is regular and consistent and can be predictable and anticipated. This makes it more possible to mitigate.

To measure the degree of seasonality, destinations can use specific indicators, ranging from tourist arrivals to occupancy rates. There are also indicators regarding initiatives to strengthen shoulder and low season periods, as well as measuring the level of effort designed to reduce seasonality. As seasonality is a factor in unemployment, seasonal employment and turnover of staff, indicators regarding the effects of seasonality on employment are important tools to monitor its social impact.

This third technical webinar discussed experiences and lessons learned by some Members of the UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) in the field of measuring and monitoring tourism seasonality. Tourism seasonality is one of the mandatory 11 key issue areas INSTO Members have to monitor and manage.

Organized by the Sustainable Development of Tourism Department of the UNWTO.

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