Interview with Matteo Ferraro
Expert in the phenomenon of tourismophobia
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Matteo Ferraro
Expert in the phenomenon of tourismophobia
Matteo Ferraro is a recognised expert on tourismphobia, with a distinguished track record in the management of urban centres affected by tourism saturation. For more than 15 years, he has worked on the design and implementation of policies to mitigate the negative impact of mass tourism on local communities, especially in historic cities facing uncontrolled tourism growth.
His approach focuses on finding a sustainable balance between economic development and cultural preservation, ensuring that residents and tourists coexist harmoniously. Ferraro has collaborated with local governments, international organisations and civil society groups to develop innovative strategies to address the challenges of tourism in urban areas. He is also an active participant in the Tourism and Society Think Tank (TSTT), where he has contributed to the development of proposals focusing on sustainability and social responsibility in tourism.
His work has been recognised internationally, and he is frequently invited to conferences and forums to share his experience in the management of tourismphobia and sustainable urban planning. His vision and experience make him an authoritative voice in the search for effective solutions to one of the most pressing problems of contemporary tourism.
How would you define tourismphobia?
Tourism phobia is the aversion or rejection of residents towards tourists due to perceived negative impacts on the daily life and cultural identity of their environment.
How has tourism phobia changed in the last year compared to before the pandemic?
Tourism phobia has experienced a considerable uptick post-pandemic, especially in tourist destinations that faced a massive return of tourism. The pandemic generated a lull that allowed local communities to enjoy a quieter life. However, the abrupt resumption of tourism has exacerbated tensions, as many residents feel that their quality of life and public spaces are once again threatened by tourist saturation.
What factors have contributed to this change?
The rapid return of mass tourism in areas that had experienced a respite during the pandemic has generated a perception of encroachment among residents. In addition, the lack of adequate planning and regulation to manage this growth has exacerbated the problems. Tourists, eager to travel again, have filled already saturated destinations, intensifying tourismphobia and tensions between tourists and locals, especially in urban areas.
What are the economic impacts of tourism phobia on tourist destinations?
Tourismphobia can have a significant negative impact on the economy of tourism destinations. As rejection of tourism grows, the quality of the tourism experience decreases, which can lead to a reduction in tourist inflows. This, in turn, directly affects the revenue generated by tourism, diminishing economic opportunities for local communities and generating a cycle of resentment and economic decline.
What role does urban planning play in managing tourismphobia?
It is crucial. Effective urban planning can disperse tourism, preserve residential areas and ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed equitably.
What are the most effective solutions to mitigate tourismphobia?
To mitigate tourism phobia, it is crucial to implement a series of strategies that include limiting the number of visitors in saturated areas, diversifying tourism offerings to less crowded areas, and promoting sustainable tourism that respects local communities. I am grateful to Antonio Santos for the opportunity to participate in the Tourism and Society Think Tank (TSTT) group, where we have explored these and other innovative solutions to address this challenge.
What do you think about the Tourism and Society Think Tank proposal?
The Tourism and Society Think Tank proposal is innovative and necessary. It seeks to balance cultural preservation with economic development, promoting a sustainable approach to tourism. This initiative is fundamental to face the challenges of tourismphobia. In addition, I am grateful to Antonio Santos for the opportunity to be part of the TSTT group working on this issue, now led by Dr. Fernando Molina whom I do not yet know personally, which has allowed me to actively contribute to the discussion and search for effective and realistic solutions, and which have been set out in the TSTT Manifesto.
How could Valencia benefit from hosting the Tourism Visioneer Observatory?
Valencia has the opportunity to become a global reference in sustainable tourism by hosting the Tourism Visioneer Observatory. This will allow it to develop and implement new strategies that address tourismphobia, improving the quality of life of its residents and the visitor experience. In addition, it can attract investment and strengthen its image as a conscious and sustainable tourism destination, which will benefit both the local economy and its wider community.
What recommendations would you give to destinations facing high levels of tourismphobia?
Encourage dialogue between residents and tourists, diversify tourism offerings, and implement policies that regulate the flow of tourism while protecting the quality of life of locals.
How can sustainable tourism help reduce tourismphobia?
By promoting practices that respect the environment and local communities, sustainable tourism minimises negative impacts and helps create more harmonious relationships between tourists and residents.
How does tourism phobia affect the cultural identity of a place?
Tourism phobia can have a profound impact on the cultural identity of a place. When residents perceive tourism as a threat, it can lead to the over-commercialisation of their culture, diluting its authenticity. This not only generates resentment towards tourists, but also affects the perception of local culture by both residents and visitors. The loss of cultural authenticity can be irreversible, affecting the very essence of the community.
In this sense, after long conversations with Antonio Santos, his broad general knowledge of tourism, society and cultural identity has allowed me to gain insight into the identity of individual citizens and how this phenomenon affects them and its translation to citizens as a social group.
What role do social media play in the perception of tourismphobia?
Social media amplifies residents‘ complaints and tourists’ negative experiences, which can intensify tourismphobia and its visibility globally.
What challenges do local governments face in addressing tourismphobia?
Balancing economic interests with residents' quality of life, while implementing effective policies that mitigate saturation and cultural degradation.
How can education contribute to the reduction of tourismphobia?
Educating tourists and residents about the importance of respecting local culture and promoting responsible tourism practices can reduce friction and foster greater understanding.
What do you hope for the future in relation to tourismphobia?
I hope that there will be a shift towards more conscious tourism, where mutual respect and sustainability are pillars, and that cities will adopt more balanced policies that benefit both residents and visitors.
Tourismphobia is a growing challenge that requires innovative and sustainable solutions. Through this interview, Matteo Ferraro has provided us with an in-depth look at how to tackle this problem and the importance of implementing policies that balance tourism and local life. His contributions, both in this conversation and in his ongoing work, are fundamental to ensuring a future where tourism and local communities can coexist in a harmonious and mutually beneficial way.
The authors are responsible for the choice and presentation of the facts contained in this document and for the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of Tourism and Society Think Tank and do not commit the Organization, and should not be attributed to TSTT or its members.
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