Navigating the University-Tourism Nexus: Employing Participatory Strategies for Liveability in Sorrento

Abstract

The interplay between universities and their diverse urban environments presents both unique opportunities and challenges. This case study explores how university-led participatory strategies address the tourism–liveability nexus in the small city of Sorrento, facing increasing pressure from overtourism, rising housing costs, and resident displacement. Through a Human Rights Practicum students engaged residents, municipal authorities, and businesses in co-designing place-based solutions. Using surveys, interviews, and workshops, the initiative identified key challenges—including housing affordability, infrastructure strain, and lack of community voice—and proposed actionable responses grounded in human rights principles. The project demonstrates the power of integrating academic instruction with participatory practice to foster engagement, policy innovation, and resilience. It offers a scalable model for aligning tourism development with community well-being in small cities worldwide.