Sustainable Strategies for Mitigating Tourism Pressures: Regeneration Criteria for Ortygia Island, Sicily

The research explores the phenomenon of state-led gentrification with a focus on Ortygia, Sicily, and draws insights from European experiences, particularly in England, the Netherlands, and Germany. The objective is to devise a model for Ortygia that effectively controls touristification and mitigates associated negative effects. Concerns are raised regarding the prevalent practice of redeveloping buildings mainly for commercial purposes, resulting in homogenization of spaces and loss of socio-cultural values embedded to heritage. The proposed method identifies abandoned or underutilized buildings in Ortygia, applying a multicriteria analysis to assess alternative reuse scenarios. The feasibility dimension considers factors such as property ownership, building size, condition, agreement among involved parties, and financial resources, as well as the urban environment. Similarly, the effectiveness dimension assesses the appropriateness of new functions, stakeholder involvement, public incentives, improved asset usability and the ability to initiate urban regeneration processes. Emphasizing community involvement, the model seeks to strike a balance between gentrification and inclusive, sustainable development, preserving intangible heritage while addressing urban tangible decay. The multifaceted approach integrates economic, social, and cultural considerations, reflecting a holistic perspective on state-led gentrification with diverse criteria and engaging various actors in the regeneration process.