Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of tourists and visitors that a place can physically accommodate within a specified time frame without creating social and environmental disturbances. Overtourism is an adverse consequence of an excessive number of visitors to a particular destination. Over the past decade, the Nilgiris, situated in the Western Ghats of the Tamil Nadu region in India, have witnessed a surge in tourism, which has raised several social and environmental concerns. This case aims to understand overtourism and the current carrying capacity of the major tourism destination of the Nilgiris. It underscores the pressing need for innovative measures and community-driven solutions to strike a balance between the economic benefits of tourism and the preservation of the Nilgiris’ cultural and environmental heritage. Addressing similar concerns at various tourism destinations globally, the study aims to determine how destination readiness can help forecast and sustain the long-term future of tourism.
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