Cities and municipalities are particularly challenged in times of the commodification of public goods and the touristification of city centres, be it through rising rents and urban heat or the density of visitor flows. Issues of social inequality, the right to the city and inclusive urban planning are just as challenging as the regulation of tourist uses. In particular, overtourism leads to neighbourhoods being used only by short-term residents, leaving no one to look after the local community. Who cares about the city and how is one leading question in this context. We invite participants to address these and related issues in their contributions.

Urban experiments are generally seen as a substantial contribution to sustainability transitions. They are meant to promote learning-by-doing under circumstances of insecurity and complexity and to accelerate transformations by testing agile, ad-hoc solutions for change. Hence, scientific debate and practical examples of urban sustainability experiments have blossomed in the past decade. However, motives of pursuing an experimentalist approach to the city have recently been criticized for mostly following an ecomodernist imaginary. In such logics, experimentation is inextricably linked with technology and the obective of pursuing sustainable transformations is to enhance efficiency and optimize systems. Societal change and alternative imaginaries of the future have only recently been discussed more intensely in the context of urban sustainability experiments. This session invites contributions that go beyond ecomodernist conceptions of experimentation and instead promote alternative perspectives on urban experimentation as contributions to transformative change. Examples include (but are not limited to): - Experimenting with care and the city - Experimentation as self-empowerment - Experiments with/for alternative imaginaries - Experimentation as bottom-up transformation - Social innovation in/through experiments - Experiments and social learning - Experimenting for post-growth cities and societies - Experiments and Urban Commons

Although in the past decades, social justice, equity and vulnerability became more prominent in managing social and ecological transformations in cities, citizens ‘perspectives are rarely considered in planning, development and research processes. Even though social justice research often aims to shed light on the perspectives or experiences of individuals who experience marginalization or discrimination. Because caring for the city include caring for the people in cities, their needs and preferences. In this panel, we want to highlight the socio-cultural impacts, the needs of all social groups in cities, with special attention to vulnerable and marginalized groups. • Who are such vulnerable, marginalized groups (in and for a city) in the context of urban and tourism development? • Who can participate in decision-making processes in urban planning? • What sustainable strategies of participation exist in urban and tourism development? • How can we improve justice in strategic planning processes within the development and implementation of urban policies? • How is the Right to the City debate currently manifesting itself in protest movements? • Which experiences and perceptions have vulnerable groups in the context of urban development? • In which ways we can look as planners, researchers and practitioners at balanced on both – social and ecological – benefits? • How can we improve justice in strategic planning processes within the development and implementation of climate policies? • Who benefits and who is harmed by overtourism? We look forward to contributions from scientists, activists, students and practices. We are calling for abstracts (in German or in English, max. one page) that address citizens in the city, explore, represent or at least consider their perspectives. If you want to discuss this with us in a bilingual panel from a social science perspective, submit your abstract via Conftool.

Against the backdrop of contemporary challenges in facilitating sustainable urban (tourism) futures, the session "How Tourism is Transforming the Urban Fabric" invites cutting-edge research that explores facets of the multifaceted relationship between tourism and urban development. Moving beyond well-established narratives of touristification and tourism gentrification, it is particularly interested in perspectives that illuminate less explored aspects of tourism's role in shaping urban environments and/or reflect upon novel solutions for creating more liveable, equitable, and sustainable cities in the face of evolving tourism dynamics. We invite submissions from diverse fields, including tourism studies and management, urban planning/studies, geography, sociology, and anthropology that present original empirical findings, propose innovative theoretical frameworks, introduce novel methodological approaches, or elaborate upon creative policy interventions, with potential areas of interest including but not limited to: - Manifestations of urban tourism dynamics beyond conventional tourist zones or established “off the beaten path” destinations - Emerging tourism mobilities and their interactions with urban spaces and places - The role of tourism in shaping urban identities, imaginaries, and cultural landscapes - The impact of technological advances, e.g. in social media, AI as well as virtual and augmented reality technologies, on urban tourism experiences, dynamics, and management - Novel approaches to “measuring“, analysing and evaluating tourism's multi-faceted effects on cities and their communities - Fresh theoretical or empirical insights into the governance and politics of urban tourism and destination management - Emerging forms of tourism-driven social innovation, community empowerment, and “regenerative” place-making - Innovative strategies for leveraging tourism's potential to enhance urban environmental sustainability, e.g. city-wide circular economy initiatives.

The session examines the multifaceted impacts of tourism on urban environments, focusing on how touristification transforms cities' physical, social, and economic landscapes. Touristification, characterized by the proliferation of tourism-related activities and infrastructure, often reshapes urban neighborhoods, affecting local communities, housing markets, and public spaces. This session seeks to explore methodologies and indicators for measuring the extent and effects of touristification, such as changes in land use, demographic shifts, and socio-economic dynamics. By addressing challenges like over-tourism, gentrification, and the erosion of local identity, the session highlights the need for balanced approaches to urban tourism that respect local communities while fostering economic benefits. Contributions offering case studies, innovative measurement tools, and strategies for mitigating the negative impacts of touristification are encouraged. The session aims to foster a critical dialogue on how cities can manage urban tourism sustainably and equitably amidst growing global mobility.

Sustainable tourism development and regional resilience are central to addressing global challenges such as climate change, economic instability, or geopolitical disruptions. This panel will explore how rural destinations and cities can balance economic growth with environmental stewardship by promoting low-impact tourism, green infrastructure, and energy-efficient urban planning - also in the context of postgrowth and degrowth debates. The discussion will examine strategies to reduce emissions, conserve natural and cultural heritage, and enhance regional resilience including social cohesion and public value. Key topics will include fostering sustainable tourism practices, integrating eco-friendly technologies, and building resilient communities to ensure long-term vibrancy, social diversity and sustainability for future generations.

Im Rahmen des Round tables diskutieren Forschung, Verwaltung, Regionalpolitik über Herausforderungen & Lösungswege der nachhaltigen Regional- und Tourismusentwicklung. Mit Dr. Yvonne Franz, Universität Wien; Mag. Elisabeth Hirt, Österreichischer Städtebund; Markus Reiter, Bezirksvorsteher, 7.Bezirk; (TBA) Moderation: FH-Prof. Dr. Cornelia Dlabaja, Stiftungsprof. FHWien WKW During the round table, representatives from research, administration and regional politics will discuss challenges and solutions for sustainable regional and tourism development. With Dr Yvonne Franz, University of Vienna; Mag. Elisabeth Hirt, Austrian Association of Cities and Towns; Markus Reiter, District Mayor, 7th District; (TBA) Moderator: FH Prof. Dr Cornelia Dlabaja, Endowed Professor FHWien WKW

Vacancies represent both a challenge and potential for cities, depending on various factors such as their location within the urban context. This panel focuses on vacancy in the ground floor zone. The usage, non-usage, as well as the misusage of ground floor spaces directly contribute to the vitality of neighbourhoods. Thus, viably used ground floor spaces are integral for the implementation of planning concepts like the 15-minute city. On the one hand, property owners are key stakeholders in the activation of vacant spaces and the future-oriented transformation of the ground floor zone. On the other hand, new user groups emerge due to societal shifts such as the declining importance of (large) physical retail spaces. Micro-enterprises, associations, cultural actors and local initiatives are becoming increasingly prevalent. As recent surveys in Vienna and Graz show, they urgently need (affordable) space. Some of their usage models (e. g. cooperatively used spaces) differ from the traditional ground floor usages, which poses further challenges (e. g. subleasing, funding schemes excluding specific user groups). Developing strategies for dealing with the ground floor zone is therefore an essential challenge that urban planners have to face in terms of working towards future-oriented neighbourhoods. This session invites contributions dealing with ground floor vacancy especially within (but not limited to) the following topics: - Funding, instruments, processes and specific measures that enable structural changes / paradigm shifts in dealing with vacancy on the ground floor - Availability of spaces in the ground floor zone - Affordability of spaces in the ground floor zone (high rental and activation costs vs. low financial resources on the user side) - Dealing with ground floor vacancy in different spatial contexts (international examples) - Misusage, market-driven usage, gentrification vs. usage which generates positive impacts on neighbourhoods - Implementing socially beneficial projects - instruments, processes, measures or funding to enable community / non-profit purposes - Contribution of low-threshold “quick wins” (e. g. temporary usage) towards the transition into long-term tenancy

The session addresses the pressing issues cities face in navigating complex and interconnected crises. Urban areas are increasingly called upon to provide sustainable and inclusive solutions, from housing affordability and social inequality to climate change and migration. This session will address challenges such as the commodification of housing, affordability issues and resulting phenomena such as gentrification, touristification and homelessness. Innovative approaches to urban planning, policy-making and housing construction that balance environmental, economic and social needs will be explored. Interdisciplinary research and case studies will identify challenges and strategies to promote resilience, equity and sustainability in the urban environment. Contributions that address the broader implications of urban change in response to global and local challenges are welcome.

Social inequalities permeate all areas of society. The approach of "Caring Communities" aims to build caring networks and promote opportunities for social inclusion with a strong involvement of civil society. By emphasizing the aspect of “caring”, the focus lies particularly on vulnerable people and groups. Their needs become visible. Activities, measures and offers are developed together with them and with people from their environments. In this way, for example, current social phenomena such as loneliness can be counteracted or projects like “Dementia-Friendly Regions” help to destigmatize, to raise awareness and to support growing groups that are today mostly invisible in cities and regions. In this the panel, different thematic focuses of the approach will be illustrated using practical examples. At the same time, we will discuss on a conceptual level how “Caring Communities” can contribute to Caring and Sustainable Cities.

The session explores the complex interplay between tourism and urban transformation in shaping contemporary places. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives, it examines how placemaking practices are intertwined with sustainable urban development, addressing challenges such as social inclusion, cultural preservation and environmental impact. Bringing together researchers, policy-makers and practitioners, the session highlights innovative approaches to managing conflicting interests and fostering synergies between tourism and urban planning. We are looking for case studies from different urban contexts that provide practical insights into balancing global trends with local needs, highlighting collaborative strategies for resilient and inclusive placemaking and related challenges.

The session explores forward-thinking strategies for integrating tourism into sustainable urban development. As cities face increasing pressures from globalization, climate change, and socio-economic challenges, tourism must evolve to align with the goals of resilient and inclusive urban futures. This session invites discussions on innovative pathways that reimagine the role of tourism in shaping cities, from leveraging technology and data-driven planning to promoting community-driven initiatives and green infrastructure. Topics include smart tourism, adaptive reuse of urban spaces, and participatory approaches that balance the needs of residents, visitors, and ecosystems. Case studies and visionary frameworks will provide practical insights into creating synergistic relationships between tourism and urban development, offering actionable strategies for cities to thrive in a rapidly changing world.