Destination central district: the representation of the conflict

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to represent the conflict of touristification in the central district of Seville to evaluate the dimension of the problem. Therefore, it focuses on the diagnostic representation of the conflict between citizens and tourists, to help define the coexistence of opposing interests and to bring solutions in favour of a liveable urban landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

The research has implied a detailed analysis beyond the observation of data and statistics, which facilitated a complex diagnosis for decision-making. This has led to consider as an initial framework the main tourist resources, official agreements and civil manifestations regarding touristification. Then, factors of tourist density and one in-depth case study of changes in use have been mapped.

Findings

First, an analysis of the urban spaces affected by the tourist dynamics following the degree of habitability of the resident citizens has been led. Second, of the conflict resulting from a relationship between economic activities, the attractiveness of the urban landscape and the tourist use of the space has been mapped.

Originality/value

Through the study of the central district of a city of great heritage value where conflicts begin to occur as a result of tourism, it is intended to contribute to the development of the spatial syntax of the tourist conflict, what could lead to improve responsible urban and social city policies.

Citation

Macías Rodríguez, D., Del Espino Hidalgo, B. and Pérez Cano, M.T. (2021), "Destination central district: the representation of the conflict", International Journal of Tourism Cities, Vol. 7 No. 2, pp. 313-327. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJTC-03-2020-0038