Editorial: Liveable cities for locals and visitors: challenges and opportunities for destinations

Citation

Seraphin, H., Fotiadis, A. and Gowreesunkar, V. (2024), "Editorial: Liveable cities for locals and visitors: challenges and opportunities for destinations", International Journal of Tourism Cities, Vol. 10 No. 4, pp. 1185-1191. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJTC-12-2024-305

Introduction

There is a growing consensus among scholars, policymakers and industry experts that cities are becoming less and less liveable (Wheeler & Laing, 2008; Maxim, 2017; Biendicho, Papaoikonomou, & Setó-Pamies, 2022; Farkic & Coca-Stefaniak, 2024). Cities offer visitors a wide variety of activities as tourism playgrounds (Bouchon & Rausher, 2019). According to the Global Tourism Trend Report (2023) cities and urban destinations are now becoming more popular among tourists, with a growth rate of 52% as compared to 26% growth in “sun and beach” destinations. Likewise, statistics show that European cities continue to dominate, with 12 cities ranking in the top 20 of Euromonitor’s Travel City Index 2023. Notably, Paris, Dubai and Madrid were among the top-performing cities globally, driven by strong tourism policies, infrastructure and sustainability efforts (Euromonitor Travel Index, 2023). According to Bock (2015), what makes city tourism distinct from other types of tourism is that cities have a high density of diverse cultural offerings in a relatively small area, attracting different types of tourists. Cities indeed serve as a country’s primary entry point for tourists (Maxim, 2017) and the way they are managed directly impacts the liveability of visitors and locals. The Mercer Report on quality of living in cities shows that many employees are assessing the cities in which they live and work and the impact on the quality of life of their families and children (Mercer Report, 2023). Korstanje (2024) posits that liveable cities can give new goals and directions towards urban development. Liveability in cities is therefore a growing concern and there is a pressing need to assess the current state of cities and explore alternatives, to make cities more liveable for visitors (including expatriates) and locals.

Crucially, the well-being of residents, tourists and the environment is closely tied to the trajectory of urban development, as tourism significantly contributes to the overall quality of life in tourism cities and aligns with the principles outlined in the New Urban Agenda and the SDGs (see Wu, Zhang, & Qiu, 2017; Farkic & Coca-Stefaniak, 2024). A key concern is therefore how tourism is managed in cities and how spaces are allocated to locals and visitors, all with the aim of creating positive impacts on the image and performance of those tourism cities. The central theme of this special issue, titled “Liveable Cities for locals and visitors: Challenges and opportunities for destinations”, therefore revolves around the question: How to make cities more liveable for locals and visitors. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and perennial problems like climate change, overpopulation, huge traffic jams, poor waste management, hygiene and safety, weak housing plans, pollution, misuse of resources inter alia continue to pressurise cities. The UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 (Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable) is also a strong indicator that actions are needed to sustain cities. This Special Issue therefore attempts to align its objectives with the UN SDGs while exploring realities that are affecting the liveability of locals and visitors in tourism cities.

Realities of cities

Cities are significant pull factors to the global tourism industry, yet the amount of research dedicated to this topic is still inadequate (Gurung & Gowreesunkar, Gurung & Gowreesunkar, 2023). According to the UN Department of Economics and Social Affairs (2023), cities contribute more than 80% of global GDP and they have the potential to drive growth and innovation, create jobs, improve livelihoods and advance prosperity. However, when exploring the other side, it would seem that cities are gradually losing their unique characteristics and values and tourism is often blamed for this. For instance, in Venice, hostility has become more common as residents feel their city is being stripped from them (Coldwell, 2017). Many local and family-owned establishments are seeing a drastic decrease in profits, due to many factors, such as a decreased resident population, increased competition for real estate space, rising rent costs, among others (Simmons, 2019). Likewise, cities are becoming dumping pots for immigrants and a trade centre for everyone. For instance, the study of Gowreesunkar and Reddy (2020) shows that anyone can be a street vendor in the city of Hyderabad (India) and there is no control on the identity of the vendors nor the space they occupy in the city.

Quite aside from the above, studies continuously show that cities are attractive pull factors for tourists and city tourism can enhance the overall well-being of local communities and hence the quality of life (see Wheeler & Laing, 2008; Jones & Newsome, 2015). The Mercer report (2023) shows that many cities are now providing high quality of living for international employees with Vienna (Austria) as the top city. This also implies that cities are becoming expatriate hubs and hence transformed into metropolitan cities converting temporary visitors into permanent residents. The city of Dubai is an example. Likewise, the study of Gowreesunkar and Reddy (2020) shows that urbanism and overtourism are new realities in many popular tourism cities. Studies show that because tourism cities perform multiple functions that are conducive for the urbanized tourists (Maxim, 2017), a new breed of travellers driven by globalization and sophistication are increasingly opting for this form of tourism (Hall, 2006; Gowreesunkar, 2019). As a result, when from one side, city tourism is an evolving phenomenon that is rapidly spreading on another side, cases of overtourism and invasion are also well documented (Seraphin, Gowreesunkar, & Canosa, 2023; Gowreesunkar & Vo-Thanh, 2020). For instance, in many cities, waterfront developments have led to the construction of luxury hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues that cater primarily to tourists, rather than locals. While these developments can generate significant economic benefits, they often exclude local communities from enjoying their own public spaces, undermining the principles of inclusivity and social equity that are central to the SDGs. One notable example is Venice, where the influx of tourists has transformed the city’s character, leading to the displacement of local residents and the erosion of traditional ways of life. The city’s historic centre, once a vibrant community, is now dominated by short-term rentals, souvenir shops and tourist-centric businesses. Despite efforts to manage visitor numbers, Venice continues to grapple with the challenges of overtourism, which threatens its cultural heritage and the well-being of its remaining residents.

Making cities more liveable

The year 2020 marked the history of travel and tourism and destinations would certainly remember the striking lessons of the COVID-19 for a very long time (Gowreesunkar & Maingi, 2022). As tourism cities slowly re-opened their doors, there was a growing emphasis on creating more liveable cities that cater to both locals and tourists. This approach aligns with the principles of sustainable tourism, which aim to balance economic, social and environmental considerations. The post-pandemic era presents an opportunity to reimagine urban tourism in ways that prioritize the well-being of residents, enhance visitor experiences and mitigate the negative impacts of mass tourism. For instance, cities such as Lisbon, Portugal, have taken proactive measures to reclaim public spaces and curb the dominance of tourism-centric businesses. During the pandemic, Lisbon’s local government purchased short-term rental properties to convert them into affordable housing for residents, addressing the long-standing issue of housing shortages exacerbated by platforms like Airbnb. This initiative not only improved the quality of life for locals but also signalled a commitment to sustainable urban tourism that benefits the community. Similarly, the pandemic has sparked a shift towards community-centric tourism in Japan, where rural areas are being revitalized to attract domestic travellers seeking less crowded, culturally rich experiences. The government’s “Go To Travel” campaign, though controversial, encouraged Japanese residents to explore lesser-known regions, boosting local economies while alleviating pressure on popular urban centres. This redistribution of tourism activity has made cities more liveable by reducing congestion and promoting a more equitable spread of tourism benefits.

The pandemic has been a wake-up call, reminding stakeholders of the importance of tourism not only as an economic powerhouse but also as a vital component of social and cultural life. This renewed focus on sustainability and liveability is not just a trend but a necessary evolution of the tourism industry. The post-pandemic tourism landscape has opened the door to new possibilities for the industry, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices that prioritize space, safety and community well-being. As destinations still strive to recover, there is a unique opportunity to reshape tourism in ways that enhance liveability, foster inclusivity and promote resilience. By embracing the lessons learned during the pandemic, cities are now adhering to the SDGs thus, creating environments that are more liveable for both locals and visitors.

SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) advocates for making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Integrating SDGs into urban planning and tourism development helps address the negative externalities associated with rapid tourism growth. For instance, by incorporating sustainable practices into city planning, cities can avoid the pitfalls of overtourism, which often results in overcrowding, environmental stress and diminished quality of life for residents. According to Edgell and Swanson (2019), sustainability is arguably the most critical issue facing the tourism industry in the 21st century. A sustainable tourism business is one that does not harm the environment, respects human interactions and positively impacts local communities (Sloan, Legrand, & Simons-Kaufmann, 2014). Tribe (1997) further emphasizes that sustainable tourism should optimally use environmental resources, ensure long-term economic viability and respect the sociocultural authenticity of host communities, thereby fostering intercultural understanding and tolerance. However, the practical application of sustainable tourism often reveals a contradictory reality. On the one hand, tourism can enhance urban environments by revitalizing cultural heritage, boosting local economies and encouraging infrastructural development. On the other hand, unchecked tourism growth can lead to overtourism, environmental degradation and the displacement of local communities, effectively undermining the very principles of sustainability.

Urbanism and overtourism: balancing liveability in modern cities

Urbanism and overtourism have become significant challenges in many popular tourist destinations, profoundly affecting the liveability of cities for both locals and tourists. According to Gowreesunkar and Reddy (2020), urbanism and overtourism are distinct yet interconnected phenomena that contribute to the changing dynamics of city tourism. Urbanism, driven by environmental development and urban expansion (Bock, 2015), is characterized by dense populations, major transport hubs, commercial centres and a variety of recreational and cultural experiences that cities offer. In contrast, overtourism refers to the negative impact of excessive tourist numbers on local communities and environments, leading to overcrowding and resource depletion (Seraphin et al., 2023; Gowreesunkar, 2019). Over the past decades, the number of urban tourists have grown exponentially and this trend is expected to continue, with many experts believing tourism numbers to double by 2030 (Gowreesunkar & Reddy, 2020). The rapid urbanization of tourism cities brings unique challenges and opportunities. For example, cities like Calabar in Nigeria have leveraged their rich cultural heritage, such as the annual Calabar Carnival, to attract international tourists. Despite being perceived as a post-colonial, conflict and disaster-affected destination (Séraphin & Gowreesunkar, 2021), Calabar’s cultural appeal has made it a key entry point for visitors to Nigeria, significantly boosting the local economy. However, such successes also highlight the duality of urban tourism, where vibrant cultural events can simultaneously enhance and strain city resources. Cities must therefore adopt innovative and sustainable approaches to manage tourism growth, balancing the needs of tourists with those of local communities. By addressing the root causes of overtourism and integrating urban planning with sustainable tourism practices, destinations can enhance their appeal and ensure that cities remain vibrant, liveable spaces for everyone.

In the Special Issue, 12 papers were accepted. The first topic is related to urban tourism and liveability and it consists of six papers. The first article in this special issue, “Liveable Cities in the Global South: Buenos Aires City in the New Normal” by Maximiliano Emanuel Korstanje, takes up the themes of sustainability and urban liveability to explore a complex relationship between homelessness and tourism. This conceptual study investigates how globalization has created an underclass in the city where homeless peoples live next to, or in the same streets as, luxury hotels and tourist attractions, bringing out in stark relief their social contradictions. This paper introduces postmodern theories of sociological processes as a means of accounting for this non-governmental intervention in managing homelessness in Buenos Aires. In pointing out the disparity between wealth and poverty in the city, the article adds an essential layer to the discourse on how cities can become more liveable for all residents in times of a COVID-19 pandemic.

Continuing to unpack this exploration into urban sustainability and liveability, the next article in this special issue is entitled “Greened Shopping Spaces and Pedestrian Shopping Interactions: The Case of Christchurch” by David Dyason, Peter Fieger and John Rice and assesses how greening and pedestrianization influence retail and hospitality expenditure across the Central Business District (CBD) of Christchurch, New Zealand. They investigate pedestrian movement data and spending patterns to see how the redevelopment of green pedestrian streets into areas of higher spending, compared with traditional street areas, occurs. This study brings key insights into other cities on how to enhance commercial areas while advancing sustainability, since the economic and environmental benefits associated with greening and traffic exclusion in urban design are highlighted.

Next in this topic an article entitled “The Morphology of Urban Tourism Space: The Case of Malioboro Main Street as the Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta City, Indonesia”, by Diana Ayudya, Wiendu Nuryanti and Muhammad Sani Roychansyah provided insight into spatial distribution within the prime area of urban tourism known as Malioboro Main Street. Qualitative grounded theory, typo morphological analysis and place-centred mapping techniques are used to highlight distinctive patterns in the distribution of tourism zones around shopping, cultural experiences and cuisine, such as centred, linear and scattered. The findings have significant lessons for future planning and structuring of the urban landscape to ensure sustainable development of this important tourist hub.

This topic is continued by the article “Unveiling the Influence of Natural Environment in Urban Tourism Destinations on Local Community’s Quality of Life” by Aruditya Jasrotia, Suman Lata, Kanruthai Chanchaichujit and Krishma Rana, whereby they seek to probe the natural environment’s role in enhancing the QoL of local communities within urban tourism destinations. Using semi-structured interviews with thematic analysis, the present study revealed that natural features in the destination create manifold health and well-being benefits, community cohesion and recreational opportunities among its residents. This thus calls for the importance of incorporating the natural environment into urban tourism planning as a way to benefit both residents and visitors in the post-pandemic period.

The following article “Tourism Efficiency and Quality of Life in Chinese Cities”, by Nicolas Peypoch, Yuegang Song, Rui Tan and Linjia Zhang explores the relationship between tourism efficiency and QoL for residents in 40 Chinese cities between 2010 and 2019. Using Data Envelopment Analysis and nonparametric statistical tests, the present study explores whether more tourism-efficient cities provide a better QoL to their residents. In consequence, the results show that this relationship is quite problematic and indistinct between economic tourism efficiency and QoL, showing that factors beyond economic performance may influence the overall well-being of city populations. Given this fact, the present research represents new input into the still-ongoing discussion of tourism development in relation to the need to consider social and environmental aspects together with the economic ones in the planning of urban tourism.

Final paper for this topic is developed by Sweety Mishra, Sujood, Nimit Chowdhary and Javed Salim, with their article “Beyond Horizons: Illuminating Urban Tourism-A Systematic Odyssey through Sustainability, Quality of Life, and Natural Environments”, where they present an in-depth investigation into the inter-linkages between urban tourism, sustainability and natural environment contribution to quality of life among the hosts and their guests. This study examines how natural environments enhance nuances of well-being and convivial atmospheres in urban tourism destinations, based on a systematic review of existing literature using the PRISMA technique. It synthesizes ongoing trends and challenges that provide useful insights to help leverage natural environments for sustainable tourism development. While the study focuses on the Scopus database, the database as such is relevant for the support of further research and guidance to planning urban tourism.

The second broad topic consists of three academic papers. These papers explore the significance of sustainability in tourism, focusing specifically on pro-environmental actions, eco-friendly transportation and innovative approaches to promote responsible tourism practices.The first article regarding this topic is titled “Examining Consumer Intention to Buy Electric Three-Wheelers for the Sustainability of the Tourism Industry: The Case of Sri Lanka” by Claudel Mombeuil and Hemantha P. Diunugala. They look into the important role that green transportation now plays in sustainability for the tourism sector. For example, factors affecting the intention to buy electric three-wheelers among Sri Lankans, green brand awareness, green brand associations and perceived product quality were considered. From these findings, it was further envisaged that the development of trust and the communication of eco-friendly qualities would serve as a base for the encouragement of sustainable tourism transportation solutions. This adds value underlining the relevance of green consumer behaviour in view of the future of sustainable tourism.

The article “Defining and Cultivating Creative Citizenship in Northern Thailand: Improving Urban Liveability through Sustainable Tourism”, by Srichai, Thapatiwong and Tistueng explores how creative citizenship might be specifically significant in enhancing the urban liveability of Northern Thailand through the infusion of tourism with sustainable practices. The study indicates how the active exercise of citizenship can help in high-quality life for the citizenry and high-intensity experiences for visitors through the infusion of sustainable practices and community involvement in tourism development projects.

Another contribution is a paper by Sahar Hosseinikhah Choshaly, entitled “Applying Protection Motivation Theory to Examine Tourist’s Pro-Environmental Behaviour: Case Study of Lahijan, Iran”, that discusses the factors that affect tourists’ pro-environmental behaviour in the city of Lahijan in northern Iran within the Protection Motivation Theory framework. This research furthers the understanding of how to trigger tourism motivations towards eco-friendly behaviour and contributes to the tourism literature by reinforcing the PMT framework.

The last topic is related to Creative Approaches to Urban Tourism and Regeneration. Three articles analyse the impact of innovative approaches, such as art tourism, handicraft clusters and disaster management, on the growth and revitalization of metropolitan regions, enhancing both tourism and the resilience of local communities. The first article for this topic is entitled “Transforming Urban Industrial Landscapes through Art Tourism-A Gentrification Aesthetics Model from Abu Dhabi’s Case” prepared by Nataša Slak and Paolo Mura, pointing to the opportunity of reevaluation of industrial areas as art tourism spaces. This paper focuses on the case of Mussafah, the industrial zone in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to explore how business owners perceive the transformation of this area into a creative hub through applying a “gentrification aesthetics” perspective. The second one is named “Synthesizing Qualitative Insights-A Meta-Ethnography of Tourism Disaster Management Literature”, Muhammad Asif and Hesham Fazel synthesize findings from 13 qualitative studies to advance disaster management strategies for the tourism industry. Using Noblit and Hare’s meta-ethnography approach, the following five themes were identified: extreme events; poor risk management; sustainable tourism; factors affecting resilience; and disaster preparedness. This study represents a novel synthesis of cross-cultural dynamics and integrated approaches to the exploration of pathways for enhanced resilience within the tourism context.

The last paper of this special issue, is titled “Handicrafts as Cultural Creative Clusters: A Spatial-Cultural Planning Approach for the Regeneration of the Urban Historical Fabrics” by Shima Taheri, Farnaz Khalilpour, Mehdi Ashayeri and Amirhosein Shabani, contributes to the discussion on the development of handicraft production units in creative cultural clusters for the revival of the historical fabric of Isfahan. The clustering around cultural resources like Naqsh-e Jahan square was highlighted in the case study as an eligible strategy for enriching the historical character of Isfahan while concurrently contributing to economic development with social cohesion. The paper complements this special issue with valuable insight into the interrelations between cultural identity, urban space attractiveness and tourism development by focusing on how cultural creativity can shape sustainable urban regeneration.