Dr Linda Osti contributing to international media

In her interview, Linda Osti discusses the current "state of health" of urban centres, describing it as a complex issue influenced by various aspects, such as social conditions, environmental factors, and cultural expression.

Linda Osti points out that over the last 20 years, some historic centres have become iconic tourism attractions. However, many urban centres have lost their attractiveness and identity due to several factors. First, independent shops have been replaced by retail chains. Then, shops have relocated from central streets to suburban shopping centres, and more recently, online shopping has risen. With the disappearance of the commercial fabric, the cultural fabric has also eroded, leading to the loss of identity for cities and towns themselves.

She notes that shops, restaurants, bars, and pubs, which are created and frequented by the local community rather than just tourists, play a significant role in preserving, passing down, and evolving the identity of a town. However, when both retail trade and catering services cater solely to tourists, it leads to a loss of authenticity and identity. Social identity plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging and promoting pride and social cohesion among citizens. Moreover, a strong social identity can be a key factor in attracting tourists and investors to a city, promoting tourism and international visibility. Therefore, a virtuous circle is formed when shops and services are maintained "by residents, for residents," whereas a vicious circle arises when space is left exclusively for tourist-oriented businesses. Linda Osti further emphasizes the risk represented by tourism-driven gentrification, which can negatively impact the local community and erode the unique vitality and characteristics of a place.