‘TourGIStized’: A tool for assessing the physical impacts of overtourism on heritage areas. Its application to Seville

Abstract

This research aims to establish new strategies for heritage protection through the development of a tool to assess the impact of overtourism on the architectural, urban and heritage elements that are fundamental to the historic centres of medium-sized European cities. Building on methodologies for managing tourism impacts, initially studied in the city of Florence, a new complex, geo-referenced database is applied and subsequently tested on the city of Seville. This database contains information on tourist activity and its relationship with building and heritage assets. The analysis of tourist data alongside information on the buildings, heritage and urban space included in the study area makes it possible to identify and manage the conflicts arising from tourist activity which impact the architectural, urban form and historic urban landscape dynamics in this area. By controlling these phenomena, a more sustainable urban life and tourism is encouraged. To facilitate access for scholars and public administration, this information is accessible for consultation through a set of interactive maps available via the ArcGIS StoryMaps interface.