The nature of cities is heavily impacted by the paradigm changes in the production and consumption patterns and the mobility of capital, people and goods. In recent decades, “global” and “local” are connected in such a way that cities have not only become a dynamic vector for development and growth but also as the locus for change (Habitat III, 2015).
Tourism is a global mass phenomenon that attracts millions of tourists annually to the Mediterranean coastal countries, regions and cities. In addition to its positive economic contribution, this activity has significant impacts on culture, urbanism and environment. It therefore requires collective reflection and concrete solutions to reduce negative externalities and enhance positive benefits.
This first edition of the Tourism Eco Forum that took place in Barcelona the 14th of October 2016 aimed at enriching reflections and actions about the transition into a more sustainable urban tourism. More concretely, it emulates constructive discussions on how policies should respond to environmental, social and economic challenges such as climate change, social inequalities, gentrification and fair jobs. Consequently, the Forum promotes new forms of governance in European and Mediterranean cities to reconcile competitiveness and sustainability, hospitality and inclusiveness, local development and globalization.