Sustainable tourism and World Heritage site: A case study of the historic centre of Porto

Rising tourism and real estate speculation in Porto, Portugal, following its 1996 UNESCO World Heritage designation, are significantly altering the city's urban heritage and social fabric. A study reveals that while new constructions preserving only facades create 'points of memory' for visitors, they violate heritage integrity. The 'golden visa' program has further transformed the historic center into a hub of short-term accommodations, displacing locals and creating a sense of insecurity among residents. Experts argue that visitor numbers are already excessive, threatening Porto's Outstanding Universal Value. Through on-field interviews, social surveys, roundtable discussions with scholars, and consultations with governmental representatives, the research explores sustainable tourism strategies to ensure visitors contribute positively to local heritage while preserving its authenticity.

Jiang, J. (2025). Sustainable tourism and World Heritage site: A case study of the historic centre of Porto. In Situ. Au Regard Des Sciences Sociales, 5. https://doi.org/10.4000/13uwy