Sardinia and Corsica: Towards Sustainable Tourism in the Face of the Challenges of Mass Tourism

IN BRIEF

  • Sardinia: record year for tourism with 4.8 million arrivals in 2024.
  • Corsica: necessary adaptation of the tourism model in response to heat waves and ecological impacts.
  • Increase of 4.1% in arrivals compared to 2023, reaching 6.6% compared to 2019.
  • Threats to ecosystems and management of waste generated by mass tourism.
  • Cooperation projects between Sardinia, Corsica, and the Balearics for sustainable tourism.
  • Establishment of a methodology for a sustainable and resilient future in the tourism sector.

The Mediterranean islands of Sardinia and Corsica are facing a major challenge: the rise of mass tourism, which threatens their natural and cultural resources. In response to this growing pressure, initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tourism are emerging, seeking to balance the welcoming of visitors with the preservation of the environment and local culture. This article explores the efforts made by these islands to navigate towards a more sustainable future while capitalizing on their tourist attractiveness.

Sardinia: A Booming Tourism

Sardinia experienced a record summer season in 2024, reaching over 4 million arrivals, a figure that reflects the ever-increasing appeal of this destination. According to official data, the island is now ranked 14th among the most visited regions in Italy. However, this sharp increase in arrivals raises concerns regarding the management of tourist influx and its impact on the island’s fragile ecosystems.

The Ecological Stakes

Every summer, Sardinia faces a significant increase in the number of tourists, which creates immense pressure on its ecosystems and infrastructure. The paradisiacal beaches and pristine landscapes attract a growing number of visitors, but this influx threatens local biodiversity, would pose pollution risks, and encourages considerable waste production.

Corsica: Reflections on a Model to Rethink

Corsica, for its part, is also questioning its tourism model. With a sector representing nearly 30% of its GDP, the need to adapt visitor reception to more sustainable practices is becoming crucial. The record heat waves of summer 2023 revealed the weaknesses of a system largely based on mass tourism, pushing to rethink strategies to find a balance.

New Sustainable Initiatives

In the face of these challenges, various initiatives are emerging in Corsica to encourage sustainable tourism. Projects aimed at promoting slow tourism and local consumption are highlighted, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in local culture while respecting the environment. Collaborations between public and private sector actors pave the way for innovative solutions aimed at minimizing the ecological footprint of tourism.

A Promising Mediterranean Cooperation

To strengthen efforts in this area, Sardinia and Corsica are also engaging in cooperation initiatives with other Mediterranean destinations, such as the Balearics. These agreements aim to exchange best practices, promote a common policy of sustainable development, and coordinate ambitious projects in the tourism sector.

A Conscious Future

These reforms and collaborations are just a few examples of the steps that Sardinia and Corsica are taking in their quest for a sustainable tourism strategy. The stakes are high, with success depending on a change in perception among both tourists and local actors. The emergence of a responsible tourism may well represent the future of the Mediterranean islands, promoting a balance between welcoming visitors and protecting their precious heritage.