On the 2nd of June 2021, Ko Koens gave his lectoral speech on ‘Re-framing tourism; towards sustainable urban tourism design’ at BlueCity 010. Arttenders’ Siobhan was asked to contribute to the discussion based on her experience and expertise, together with Ewout Versloot of NBTC (the Dutch Board for Tourism and Conventions).

The popularity of city tourism has recently experienced a substantial rise. Cities are currently facing the important question: How to design and develop urban tourism in a sustainable way that leads to flourishing city destinations? This question is even more important during the Corona pandemic, which forced the tourism system to stop in its tracks. This might be the once-in-a-lifetime chance for a reinvention of the system; to build it back better. However, this requires new ways of thinking about tourism and its role in contemporary cities.

During his lectoral speech for Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Ko Koens reframed tourism as an integral part of city development. He argued we need to re-vitalise urban areas and create benefits for the broad and diverse spectrum of city stakeholders. Through sustainable design and development, we can create a template for New Urban Tourism.

To Siobhan, the most sustainable way of designing and developing urban tourism is through social design: the creation of functional places that serve the social needs of the local inhabitants, whilst simultaneously creating an eyecatcher for tourism purposes (like The Splash!)

Watch the Inaugural Lecture: