Changes in the Role of Heritage in Historic Centres: The Mutation of Historic Buildings into Tourist Accommodation

Abstract

Cultural attractions in the tourism sector are becoming increasingly important in many countries. In recent years, historic centres have undergone an intense process of “touristification”, generating economic development and driving new urban dynamics that are rooted in the monumental wealth of cities. In this context, this chapter aims to determine the extent to which historic buildings are integrated into new urban processes and transformed into boutique hotels, in order to put the interest cultural tourists show in heritage to full benefit. To this end, we have analysed the case of the city of Palma (Mallorca-Spain), considering those characteristics common to this new type of accommodation, the protection of buildings, their location, degree of adaptation to their new function and the role that these establishments can play in the post-COVID future of tourism. Our findings highlight the possibility of bringing the buildings back into use and giving them a new life, although the expansion of boutique hotels influences destination dynamics, exerting high tourist pressure on the historic centre and causing conflicts with local residents.