A Model for Estimating the Tourism Carrying Capacity (TCC) of a Serial Cultural Heritage: The Case of the Via Appia. Regina Viarum

A new model for estimating the Tourism Carrying Capacity (TCC) of UNESCO serial sites, applied to the Via Appia. Regina Viarum, reveals that while the site's overall effective carrying capacity remains at a 'low impact' level as of 2019, significant territorial variability exists. The study found that increased infrastructure does not necessarily enhance absorption capacity in ecologically fragile areas, whereas municipalities with high ecological provision may face stress due to insufficient services and infrastructure. The model, based on Cifuentes’ carrying capacity framework and territorial indices, simulates three future scenarios (2024–2034) of rising tourist pressure across 614 municipalities and 13 gravitational areas, offering a tool for sustainable tourism planning.

Bencardino, M., Cresta, A., Esposito, V., Senatore, A., & Valanzano, L. (2025). A Model for Estimating the Tourism Carrying Capacity (TCC) of a Serial Cultural Heritage: The Case of the Via Appia. Regina Viarum. Sustainability, 17(18), 8213. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17188213