The “Venice syndrome” in Tallinn Old Town

Residents of Tallinn Old Town exhibit significantly lower tolerance for tourism compared to the general city population, with half perceiving tourism pressure as excessive during pre-pandemic peak seasons. This "Venice syndrome" reflects heightened criticism among those living in highly touristic areas, particularly concerning their living environment. The study, based on a survey of 338 residents and property owners, traces these dynamics to neoliberal tourism policies and Soviet-era urban planning, highlighting the vulnerability of local communities in heritage sites. It underscores the need to consider time-space specificities when analyzing touristification impacts.

Talk, T., Ojamäe, L., Paadam, K., & Alatalu, R. (2023). The “Venice syndrome” in Tallinn Old Town. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 15(5), 940–957. https://doi.org/10.1108/jchmsd-03-2022-0046