Transformation from historic cityscapes to urban tourismscapes: a discussion note

Abstract

The aim of this discussion note is to critically refl ect on the role of cultural resources in the current «transformation» or «metamorphosis» of historic cities. The links among history, heritage, and traditional habitat are being reinscribed into the urban landscape and this opens new perspectives for the revitalization of grass rooted economic activities. How can heritage conservation policies be integrated in a sustainable way into a local economic development model? Refl ections from a territorial point of view on heritage unavoidably refer to the paradoxes between conservation and preservation of the historic cityscape on the one hand and new urban dynamics on the other. The upcoming of a new cultural economy – of which tourism is one element – is an intrinsic aspect of the postmodern urban landscape. It is a major challenge for researchers and planners to understand how tourism is gradually reshaping historic cityscapes and how a web of tourism related agents, global and local, is designing the future of cities. The concept of «tourismscape» results from an actor network approach, and is introduced as an analytical research tool for this new urban reality.