Globalisation in a microcosm: stories of touristification and climate adaptation in Granada
The struggles of a Spanish city provide a lesson in preservation and promotion of the historic city centre.
The city of Granada is synonymous with the breathtaking Alhambra palace. This outstanding cultural asset is truly a wonder from another time. Yet, an identity so closely linked to heritage brings a multitude of challenges. Granada’s central district has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984 (Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín) As a result, the city is now blessed and plagued with an influx of tourists who understandably place the Alhambra on their list of must-see sights. In recent years, locals have seen their numbers dwindle, and university students (which represent almost 20% of city population) struggle to find affordable accommodation, as short term rentals on platforms such as AirBnb flood the market. Visitors often stay for only one or two nights, eating tapas, visiting the Alhambra and continuing their tour after buying some inexpensive souvenirs. Owing to its position in southern Spain, between the sea and the mountains, the city is now charged with innovating strategies to grow their destination in a sustainable way, all while grappling with climate events that are becoming increasingly more noticeable. Behind the aesthetically pleasing facade, Granada has the third worst air quality in all of Spain, mainly due to topography and traffic pollution.
