Architectural design studio on sustainable tourism alternatives in the San Antonio Missions Historic District

A study led by The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) identified sustainable tourism alternatives to enhance the attractiveness and efficiency of the San Antonio Missions Historic District, a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through a design studio course, students explored culinary tourism, cultural heritage tourism, and rural tourism, developing master plans that address economic, historical, social, and cultural dimensions while promoting sustainable development practices. The research leveraged advanced design theory to propose innovative tourist spaces and activities, aiming to expand tourism offerings beyond the downtown Riverwalk area and strengthen connections to the Missions. This approach offers a model for balancing visitor appeal with heritage preservation in historic urban landscapes.

Doganer, S. (2015). Architectural design studio on sustainable tourism alternatives in the San Antonio Missions Historic District. Tourism and Hospitality Research, 17(3), 298–313. https://doi.org/10.1177/1467358415602955