Margaret River faces over-tourism risks, research warns

Research from Bond University suggests that Margaret River may be facing the early signs of over-tourism, which could negatively impact community participation and local lifestyles.

Senior research fellow Edmund Goh noted that while tourism supports the local economy, the scale of visitation—approximately 2.3 million annual visitors compared to a local population of 20,000—creates significant pressure. Data indicates a ratio of roughly one local resident to every three visitors. Additionally, short-stay listings account for about 10 per cent of the local housing supply, potentially exacerbating housing shortages.

The study, which analyzed tourism pressure in cities like Venice, Florence, Rome, and Milan between 2009 and 2023, found that high levels of tourism often correlate with declines in volunteering, involvement in local organizations, cultural event attendance, and voter turnout. Dr. Goh advised local governments to monitor these community metrics to identify and mitigate the social impacts of tourism.