2017 was described by the popular press as the “summer of overtourism.” The word “overtourism” has recently entered into common and academic parlance in response to the resident-led resistance that has emerged in a number of cultural cities (Colomb & Novy, 2017). Examples include Venice, Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Amsterdam, Berlin and New York. This talk will identify many of the reasons for resident discontent, as well as proposing some solutions for planning and managing tourism more sustainably. The speaker will also draw on her recent research on urban planning, tourism and the night-time economy in Budapest to exemplify some of the challenges of accommodating “party tourists” in cultural and residential quarters.
Dr. Melanie Kay Smith has been a Lecturer and Researcher in subjects relating to culture, tourism and planning in cities for almost twenty years. Her PhD research in London, UK focused on cultural planning in the context of urban regeneration. She is the author of many articles and books including three editions of Issues in Cultural Tourism Studies (Routledge), Tourism, Culture and Regeneration (CABI), and Ethnic and Minority Cultures as Tourist Attractions (CABI). Her recent research focuses on urban planning and tourism, creative quarters, and the night-time economy in Budapest. In addition to many urban, culture and heritage-related subjects, she has taught sustainable development and tourism planning for many years and she draws on these experiences to offer solutions for overtourism and its impacts on cities.