A research project led by Dr Guillem Colom-Montero has been shortlisted for Research Project of the Year: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Awards.
The project, Overtourism in Spain and Scotland – a community approach, explores the social, cultural and economic pressures facing local communities in popular tourist destinations. Despite the countries’ contrasting tourism histories, Dr Colom-Montero’s research reveals striking similarities in the lived experiences of residents, offering a people-centred, place-based perspective on the challenges of tourism growth.
Through academic work and public engagement, including regular contributions to national radio and television, Dr Colom-Montero has become a leading voice in reframing overtourism as a pressing cultural issue. His nomination highlights the societal relevance of modern languages research and its role in shaping public understanding and policy.
Dr Colom-Montero, a Senior Lecturer at the from the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, said: "I’m truly delighted to be shortlisted for this award. My work explores how tourism, once seen as an unequivocal force for good, is increasingly having a detrimental impact on residents. Through research and public engagement in Spain and Scotland, I’ve aimed to support communities who face these challenges and often feel unheard or misunderstood, helping them validate their experiences of tourism, challenge dominant narratives and advocate for more responsible tourism models.
"At the same time, my work has been enriched by their perspectives and concerns through a dynamic and reciprocal exchange. Ultimately, I’ve sought to reframe academic and public debates to highlight the urgent need for a reimagined approach that reconciles the economic benefits of tourism with the well-being of residents."
Two other University of Glasgow projects have also been shortlisted for this year’s THE Awards: Rainbow Office Hours, a cross-campus initiative supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion and Professor Qammer Abbasi’s nomination for Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on 13 November at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
The Times Higher Education Awards are widely regarded as the “Oscars of Higher Education”, celebrating excellence and innovation across the UK university sector.
Stories from Glasgow podcast
Mallorca has long been a popular holiday destination, but what are the consequences of that popularity?
From representation in art and culture, to conversations with local communities and changes in vocabulary, Dr Guillem Colom-Montero joins the College of Arts & Humanities Stories from Glasgow podcast host Dr Cia Jackson to reflect on the impact decades of tourism has had on the island – and some similar effects seen closer to home, here in Scotland.
Episode One: Overtourism with Dr Guillem Colom-Montero
First published: 11 September 2025
