Evaluating Sustainable Urban Tourism in Corfu Island, Greece: An Indicator-Based Approach Using the DPSIR Framework Greece

E. Velissariou, C. Amoiradis, T. Poulios

University of Thessaly, Greece

In Greece the mass tourism has rapidly expanded since the 1970s, significantly affecting cities and island destinations, with Overtourism emerging as a critical challenge. This paper examines the urban areas of Corfu Island, Greece, a location heavily influenced by seasonal tourism. It applies sustainable tourism indicators to evaluate tourism’s sociocultural, economic, and environmental impacts. Using the DPSIR (Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact, and Response) model and a set of 38 indicators, the study highlights the intensity of tourism development in Corfu compared to national averages. Results show that Corfu exhibits exceptionally high tourist arrivals per capita, accommodation capacity, and overnight stays per area, indicating significant saturation during peak seasons. Economically, the island benefits from longer average stays and higher tourist expenditure, though it faces challenges related to seasonality in employment and hotel occupancy. Environmental data point to elevated energy and water consumption levels, raising sustainability concerns, especially amid climate change and aging infrastructure. Despite these pressures, the study finds that Corfu does not yet fully exhibit Overtourism across the island, although local hotspots—such as cruise ship ports and historic urban centers—are at risk. The analysis underscores the importance of continuous monitoring through tailored indicators and the urgent need for sustainable tourism planning to mitigate long-term impacts and ensure a balanced coexistence between residents and tourism activities.

Article link: https://www.asianinstituteofresearch.org/JEBarchives/evaluating-sustainable-urban-tourism-in-corfu-island%2C-greece%3A-an-indicator-based-approach-using-the-dpsir-framework-greece