Wednesday 22 July 08:15 - 09:45

Hall: 25 - Room 4 SPT

Chair and Presenter: Scaratti Giuseppe

Division: Division 4: Environmental Psychology

Tourism is a fundamental pillar for Europe's economic and social development: it contributes over 10% to the EU's GDP, supports millions of jobs, and strengthens the vitality of urban and rural communities. Beyond its economic impact, tourism fosters cultural exchanges, enhances mutual understanding, and consolidates Europe's international reputation.
However, the growth of tourist flows raises increasing challenges: pressure on urban spaces, housing difficulties, infrastructure overload, and tensions between residents and visitors. Overtourism also affects quality of life and social balance. Residents experience frustration, loss of identity, and anxiety as their daily spaces become congested, while visitors may encounter overcrowded and inauthentic experiences.
The symposium, coordinated by Florence with the strategic support of the City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA), aims to explore concrete solutions for balanced, sustainable tourism that improves citizens' quality of life. Discussions will draw on significant experiences from cities such as Bruges, Copenhagen, Dubrovnik, Florence, and Valencia to outline new strategies capable of restoring equilibrium in daily urban life.
The three main thematic areas are:
1. Management of urban pressures: integrated public policies combining urban planning, housing accessibility, and hospitality.
2. Dispersion and territorial balance strategies: promotion of lesser-known destinations and off-season travel.
3. Tourists/residents relationship: participatory governance, investments in sustainable mobility, green spaces, and renewable energy.
Tourism, when guided by a shared and responsible vision, should not be seen as an enemy but as a driver of prosperity, sustainability, and inclusion. Collaboration between local authorities, international networks (ETC - European Travel Commission, NECSTouR - Network of European Regions for Sustainable and Competitive Tourism, CityDNA) and citizens is crucial to make European cities not only attractive but also liveable.