Tourism, landscape and urbanism: a necessary discussion

Abstract

Tourism, landscape and urbanism have maintained a close and sometimes contentious relationship over the past decades. This is clearly reflected in diverse studies by researchers in our Department of Urban and Regional Planning, both on the professional practice as from the academic reflection. Through the analysis of many plans, projects, articles and doctoral dissertations, we may distinguish four distinct periods. They allow us to highlight advances in the discipline, but also significant challenges. The first one is characterized by a mismatch between tourism and landscape, derived from the necessary restructuring of an excessive offer. This is followed by a second moment when professionals recognize that the main reason for tourism is landscape, and a third one when they relate tourism and cultural landscapes. Finally, the most recent period is characterized by the consolidation of a research line that faces four fundamental challenges.