Overtourism and gentrification in the eastern Mediterranean coastal cities: the need for a sustainable and integrated approach in World Heritage sites

The eastern Mediterranean coastal cities, especially World Heritage sites such as Venice, Dubrovnik and Kotor, have faced unprecedented tourism growth over the past decades. This chapter addresses the challenges of overtourism and gentrification in these cities, emphasising the need for sustainable and integrated urban planning. It highlights the impact of rapid tourism expansion, including cruise tourism, on local communities, urban infrastructures and cultural heritage. The analysis is based on case studies from these three coastal cities, evaluating their management plans and the effectiveness of their tourism strategies. The findings reveal that, despite the economic benefits of increased tourism, the negative consequences on the environment, local residents and cultural sites call for more coordinated policies and community engagement. A comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to urban planning, particularly involving local stakeholders, is essential for mitigating the risks posed by overtourism and promoting a more sustainable tourism industry.