Walkability assessment and tourism cities: the case of Venice

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a systematic review of the contributions present in the literature about walkability. This is aimed at defining a set of criteria and methodologies for the assessment of the level of pedestrian friendliness of cities characterised by mass tourism. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a theoretical review about walkability and on the study of mass tourism phenomenon in Venice in relation to the ongoing de-urbanisation process. The analysis of open data sets provides by the Public Institutions of Venice and the execution of on-site observations allowed a qualitative assessment on the level of walkability of the historical centre of Venice. Findings The results of the proposed study highlighted that the level of walkability in Venice is profoundly affected by the lack of base services, the presence of massive tourism flows and the scarcity of road signage. Practical implications All the elements highlighted in this work could lead to proposing several design solutions and policies to manage the tourism phenomenon in Venice in a more effective and sustainable manner. Social implications The assessment and enhancement of the level of walkability of urban areas represent a useful tool to manage the tourist flows and to reduce the conflicts between inhabitants and visitors in tourism cities. Originality/value The current work represents a valuable contribution towards the systematisation of the theoretical and methodological framework towards a tourism-based walkability assessment.

Vacation as a Public Health Resource: Toward a Wellness-Centered Tourism Design Approach

“…There are emerging examples that tourism destinations and services are increasingly embracing the wellness protection role inherent in their very DNA. Cities are paying attention to such design factors as place walkability (Gorrini & Bertini, 2018; Hall & Ram, 2018), by creatively designing trails and walkways, or suggesting walkable routes around attractions and local sights and sounds—a trend that benefits both residents and visitors. One such recent example is a spiral treetop walkway placed in the middle of a forest reserve just south of Copenhagen.…”

Factors influencing walking trips. Evidence from Gdynia, Poland

“…These methods include field observation, questionnaires (use of validated measures and self-report), G.I.S. analyses, web applications and social media data mining [ 20 ].…”

Spatial quality assessment of the pedestrian's environment using online digital tools

“…Nas últimas décadas, cidades do Brasil e do exterior vivenciaram altas taxas de crescimento do setor de turismo (UNWTO, 2014). Este cenário se torna desafiador aos planejadores urbanos, pois precisam oferecer infraestrutura urbana que atenda tanto as necessidades de seus moradores como as de seus visitantes (GORRINI; BERTINI, 2018). No entanto, para que o planejamento das cidades de interesse turístico atenda essas questões e seja sustentável, é necessário incorporar princípios do desenvolvimento sustentável , como a adoção de estratégias de mobilidade, que visa oferecer aos moradores e turistas infraestrutura voltada aos modos de transportes coletivos, como o transporte público, e aos modos individuais não motorizados -bicicleta e a pé (GORRINI; BERTINI, 2018;UNWTO, 2017).…”

“…Em relação ao pedestre, a infraestrutura adequada contribui para a saúde, o bem-estar e a qualidade de vida dos cidadãos, pois potencializa a atividade física e a inclusão social (GRIEW et al, 2013;GORRINI;BERTINI, 2018). Aspectos relacionados ao conforto e segurança também devem ser incorporados, pois são fundamentais para que pessoas com mobilidade reduzida ou com dificuldades de locomoção, como é o caso dos idosos e pessoas com alguma deficiência física e visual, possam usufruir dos lugares considerados pontos de atração, que é fundamental para incrementar o setor de turismo dessas cidades.…”