Urban tourism. A comparison with anglo-american experiences for the regeneration of the historic centre of Cagliari

During the past century urban tourism has assumed an increasing and central role in restructuring the economy of neglected urban centres. As a consequence of this, especially in these recent times, a wide range of issues have arisen, related to the concepts of sustainability, authenticity and place-identity. Considering these concerns, the present paper aims to investigate this worldwide phenomenon as a key point for the regeneration of historical areas in con-temporary cities. There are different reasons for explaining the dereliction of urban areas. It may originate from deindustrialisation processes, from never-repaired wartime damages or by inadequate conservation and preservation policies. Common needs of these areas are: the reconstruction of their image and the replacement of their negative perception to boost the city with physical interventions, economic assistance and social co-operation. The UK and the USA, pioneering countries in the promotion of these activities, offer several practices and interesting case studies for discussions and comparisons. The analysis and the critical evaluation of their current tourism policies could be used in support of the re-enhancement of areas where the development of touristic strategies is still unresolved, such as in the historical centre of Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy). In this particular context, tourism and cultural activities should have an important role in the city, not only from a social and economic point of view, but also to promote its inherited historical aspects. Furthermore, the extensive post-war urban ruins in this area should be strategic tools for the development of the economic and social life, as well as of sustainable urban tourism, considered as a nodal point in the planning and regeneration process.