Managing visitor flows in protected areas in a context of changing mobilities: An analysis of challenges, responses, and learned lessons during the pandemic in Tarragona Province (Spain)

Protected areas experienced changes in visitor flows after the easing of worldwide mobility restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The changing context added complexity to the functioning of these areas, so the entities involved in visitor management had to adopt protocols to contain the virus, as well as mechanisms to deal with the consequences of fluctuations in mobility flows in these areas. This study aims to analyze visitor management practices in protected areas of the Tarragona Province in Spain, in the context of the pandemic and as experienced by managers. We utilized a two-phase participatory methodology, initially employing a semi-structured questionnaire and subsequently conducting a focus group. Our findings revealed that concerns hindering visitor management before the pandemic not only remained relevant but worsened during this period. Managers faced organizational concerns, including poor communication among stakeholders or staff limitations. Visitor-related concerns also arose, such as changes in leisure and behavioral patterns that resulted in crowds and damage in sensitive areas. These concerns led to mostly reactive responses, with a strong reliance on strategies such as enforcement and regulation of visitor use and mobility. The findings provide useful information on the management approaches put into practice, as well as on opportunities to improve strategies for the sustainable management of visitors in protected areas.