From tourism as an opportunity for growth to the discomfort of overtourism: the erosion of public space and the need to rethink coastal cities

The growth of tourism in coastal cities, once heralded as acatalyst for economic prosperity, has increasingly revealed its darker consequences in the form of overtourism. This study critically examines how unregulated tourism-driven urban development in Mediterranean Italian coastal cities of Taormina, Scilla and Tropea has led to the commodification and degradation of public spaces, social polarization, and environmental strain. Drawing from urban theory, historical con- text, and case analysis, the research explores the transformation of public space from a collective civic asset to a contested arena dominated by market interests. The paper argues that the pursuit of short-term economic gains has undermined urban habitability and inclusivity, necessitating a paradigm shift in urban planning and tourism policy. A rethinking of coastal city governance is urgently needed to prioritize public interest, spatial equity, and long-term sustainability.