College Honors Program
Date of Creation
Spring 4-23-2025
Document Type
Thesis
First Advisor
Amy Finstein
Abstract
This thesis critically analyzes the local impacts of urban tourism in contemporary Venice, Italy, Lisbon, Portugal, and Valencia, Spain. The analysis focuses on the cities’ varying stages of over-tourism crises and hones in on one aspect of tourism’s impacts on each city. Venice serves as a case study of an evident over-tourism crisis with specific consideration for Venice’s economic dependence on tourism. Lisbon acts as an example of an imminent tourism crisis with an emphasis on the social consequences of tourism. Finally, Valencia showcases proactive tourism management as a means to prevent tourism-induced crises altogether, with particular focus on the environmental sustainability opportunities afforded by tourism. This thesis synthesizes news articles, tourism data, resident anecdotes, and scholarly research to construct each destinations’ contemporary analysis. By examining how these cities recognize, measure, and respond to urban tourism’s impacts on their economies, communities, and environments, this thesis highlights the importance of proactive tourism management as a tool to mitigate tourism-induced crises. As European tourism continues to reach unprecedented levels, this thesis’ findings underscore the growing importance of strategic tourism management to mitigate the risks of over-tourism.
Recommended Citation
Clarke, Julia, "Vacationing in the City: The Local Impacts of Contemporary Tourism in Three European Cities" (2025). College Honors Program. 594.
https://crossworks.holycross.edu/honors/594