Tourism Gentrification in a Small Mediterranean Town: Impacts and Implications for Urban Climate Resilience

Peter Kumer; Erik Kralj; Cécil Meulenberg

doi:10.18690/rg.18.2.3416

Peter Kumer University of Maribor, Faculty of Arts, Department of Geography; Maribor, Slovenia. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5923-9823
Erik Kralj Science and Research Centre Koper, Mediterranean Institute for Environmental Studies; Koper, Slovenia. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8622-6386
Cécil Meulenberg Science and Research Centre Koper, Mediterranean Institute for Environmental Studies; Koper, Slovenia. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8778-3316

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18690/rg.18.2.3416

Keywords: tourism gentrification, climate resilience, Piran, cultural heritage, social dynamics, community disaster resilience, public spaces, overtourism, interviews

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between tourism gentrification and urban climate resilience in Piran. It focuses on socio-economic changes due to tourism and their implications for the town's ability to respond to climate-related challenges. Using mixed methods, it evaluates the effects on architectural authenticity, public spaces, and community dynamics. The findings reveal conflicts between heritage preservation and tourism, highlighting integration challenges for newcomers in enhancing climate resilience. The paper advocates for strategies balancing sustainable tourism with cultural heritage preservation, offering solutions for similar towns in the Mediterranean.

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Author Biographies

Peter Kumer, University of Maribor, Faculty of Arts, Department of Geography; Maribor, Slovenia.

E-mail: peter.kumer@um.si.

Erik Kralj, Science and Research Centre Koper, Mediterranean Institute for Environmental Studies; Koper, Slovenia.

E-mail: erik.kralj@zrs-kp.si.

Cécil Meulenberg , Science and Research Centre Koper, Mediterranean Institute for Environmental Studies; Koper, Slovenia.

E-mail: cecil.meulenberg@zrs-kp.si.

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