The development of historical cities faces many challenges that require a new approach to tourism. Except the traditional issues such as overtourism and the commercialization of heritage, arise new challenges related to climate change, the expectations of new generations of tourists, and the need of greater citizen’s participation in creation of urban spaces. It is therefore necessary to seek a real, achievable balance between values, developmental ideas, as well as the needs and interests of stakeholders involved in the development of tourism in historic cities.
Changing preferences of tourists, especially of the younger generation, require new approaches to marketing and tourism management. Tourists are increasingly focused on sustainable development, authentic experiences and the opportunity to co-create urban spaces. This in turn presents new challenges for city authorities and tourism organizations.
Sustainable development also relates to to the nightlife of cities. Excessive commercialization, touristification, and noise affect negatively the quality of life of residents. Therefore, cities more and more are seeking new solutions that will allow the development of nightlife in a sustainable way, taking into account the needs of both, tourists and residents.
The integration of environmental protection with cultural heritage is becoming a key element in the development of cities. New innovative projects arise, they connects tourism and recreation with preservation of environment, creating new tourist attractions. However, it is important to consider how to make use of this potential to avoid excessive commercialization and preserve the authentic character of the places.
Urban activists and entrepreneurs are increasingly initiating small, local projects that revitalize urban spaces and create new tourist attractions. However, such initiatives require support from authorities to prevent them from losing their authentic character. Only then can they become meeting places for residents and tourists, offering a sustainable blend of local creativity and the dynamic perspectives of visiting guests.
I am lucky to live
where others can only come for a moment
Magdalena Florek, PhD – Board Member, International Place Branding Association
Emiko Gejic – Owner of Berlinsidestories, Berlin
Karolina Wawrzyniak – Manager Government Engagement, Mastercard Europe
Desmond Wee, PhD – Associate Professor, Karlshochschule International University
Agata Bisping - Krakow Festival Office, Trends Observatory for Culture
Luis Inostroza, PhD – Associate Professor at Mendel University in Brno, Czechia
Mariusz Antolak, PhD – President, "W Krajobrazie” Foundation, Assistant Professor at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn
Łukasz Pawlik – Director, Krakow Municipal Greenspace Authority
Pedro Soares – The Deputy Mayor of Braga for Tourism
Anton Nikitin – Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Vilnius, Lithuania
Andreina Seijas, PhD – Sustainable Night-Time Economy: How to manage cities after dark
Case study: BerlinSimone d'Antonio – URBACT Lead Expert for Cities After Dark
Emiko Gejic – Spokesperson of ClubCommission, Berlin, Germany
Jacek Jordan – Night Mayor of Kraków
Robert Pawlusiński, PhD – Assistant Professor at Jagiellonian University
Andreina Seijas, PhD – Principal, Night Tank, Barcelona
Case study: Tallin
Triin Tõrs-Ojari – Telliskivi Creative City – the sustainable transformation in the urban development of Tallinn
Moderation and introduction:
Łukasz Harat, Member of the Board at antyRAMA
Panelists:
Omar Al-Rawi – Member of the Vienna Provincial Parliament and City Council
Carolina Pietyra – Director, Krakow Festival Office
Triin Tõrs-Ojari – Head of Councelling Unit in Tallinn Heritage Protection Department
Zbyszek Łowżył – Founder, KontenerART, Szeląg Garden, Poznań, Poland
