Touristification and displacement. The long-standing production of Venice as a tourist attraction

Venice's transformation into a tourist-dominated city reflects a long-standing process of 'touristification,' marked by demographic shifts and social displacement. This study reveals how Venice, starting with its economic specialization in tourism at the end of the 18th century, has undergone rapid gentrification, particularly due to the rise of mainland towns like Mestre and Marghera. The research traces this evolution through urban dynamics characterized by an 'implosion/explosion' model, where conservation efforts preserved historical architecture while dismantling social diversity. Methodologically, the paper analyzes these processes over two centuries, highlighting how Venice's current tourist monoculture stems from historical choices that prioritized tourism over sustainable urban development.

Salerno, G.-M. (2022). Touristification and displacement. The long-standing production of Venice as a tourist attraction. City, 26(2-3), 519–541. https://doi.org/10.1080/13604813.2022.2055359