BEYOND GROWTH: RETHINKING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM THROUGH SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL DIMENSIONS

Abstract

Relevance of the study. The study explores the complex relationship between urban tourism and sustainable development, emphasizing the balance between economic growth, social equity, and environmental responsibility. The subject of this research is the evolving governance models for sustainable tourism in urban environments, where overtourism, short-term rentals, and changes in resident-tourist dynamics pose new challenges for policymakers. The objective of the study is to analyze theoretical approaches to sustainable tourism management, assess the social impacts of tourism expansion, and propose governance strategies that integrate tourism into broader urban planning frameworks while maintaining sustainability principles. The methodology employed in this research includes a systematic review of scholarly literature on sustainable tourism, urban tourism development models, and destination management theories, with a focus on the Butler’s Tourism Area Life Cycle Model and Doxey’s Irritation Index. The study also incorporates comparative analysis of case studies, particularly examining tourism policy shifts in European cities facing overtourism. Key qualitative indicators related to visitor management, carrying capacity, and governance frameworks are critically assessed. The results indicate that while traditional tourism management approaches emphasize economic benefits, contemporary strategies must prioritize long-term social sustainability by integrating stakeholder participation, resident well-being, and cultural heritage preservation. The study identifies a paradigm shift from minimizing negative tourism impacts to actively maximizing positive contributions, such as infrastructure improvements, economic diversification, and cultural revitalization. Furthermore, governance models that emphasize participatory decision-making and adaptive management prove more effective in balancing tourism growth with local community interests. The findings of this study can be applied in municipal governance, tourism policymaking, and strategic urban planning. Policymakers, city planners, and tourism industry stakeholders can utilize the proposed governance frameworks to create balanced, community-centered tourism policies that enhance urban sustainability. The insights from this research also contribute to academia by bridging gaps between tourism development theories and practical urban sustainability models. In conclusion, the research underscores that sustainable urban tourism management requires a shift from conventional economic-driven models to holistic frameworks that integrate environmental conservation, social equity, and responsible governance. Future studies should further explore the role of digitalization, crisis resilience, and comparative policy analyses to enhance sustainable tourism strategies. A comprehensive, stakeholder-driven approach will be key to ensuring that tourism continues to contribute positively to urban development rather than becoming a source of socio-environmental degradation.