Daniel Madariaga Barrilado called for strengthening the management of tourist destinations through strategies designed to control carrying capacity and protect both natural resources and the quality of life of local communities.
The specialist warned that the growth of global tourism requires new tools to prevent overcrowding at the most visited destinations and ensure sustainable development.
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Daniel Madariaga Barrilado highlighted examples such as Vancouver, Amsterdam, and the Galápagos Islands.
Currently, 80% of travelers are concentrated in just 10% of the world’s leading tourist destinations. This distribution puts pressure on infrastructure, ecosystems, and cultural heritage, making it essential to implement planning models based on data and continuous monitoring.
The Complutense University of Madrid defines carrying capacity as the maximum number of visitors a destination can receive without negatively affecting its physical, economic, and sociocultural environment. Exceeding that limit leads to the deterioration of attractions, congestion, and a decline in the quality of the tourism experience.
According to studies by McKinsey and the World Travel & Tourism Council, several cities are already using analytical tools to anticipate these challenges.
Madariaga Barrilado believes these technologies make it possible to take timely decisions and build a more balanced tourism model.
Dubrovnik is one of the clearest examples of overtourism. During peak season, it receives up to 20 times more flights than during the low season, a situation that has driven up housing costs and led authorities to impose restrictions on private rentals.
The specialist also highlighted examples such as Vancouver, which used the 2010 Winter Olympics as an opportunity to modernize its infrastructure, as well as Amsterdam and the Galápagos Islands, where the use of data and visitor controls helps strengthen conservation and the sustainability of tourism.
Daniel Madariaga Barrilado is an entrepreneur focused on sustainability, environmental innovation, and responsible development. His professional work has included initiatives related to water management, efficient use of natural resources, and clean technologies. He is particularly interested in building scalable solutions that combine environmental responsibility with economic viability and long-term impact.