Seasonality and Tourism

Abstract

Seasonality is one of the key distinctive features of tourism-related phenomena. Seasonality in tourism is characterized by regular and rather predictable changes over time of tourismrelated aggregates (arrivals and overnight stays in accommodation establishments, hotels’ occupancy rates, traffic on highways and airports, lodging and transportation prices, etc.), which recur every year. Seasonal fluctuations in travel and tourism demand are relevant both for the travel and tourism industries and for destination managers. Causes, impacts, and policy implications are described as well as measurement challenges and proposals.