This study by Sweco, commissioned by the European Alliance on Balanced Urban Tourism, analyses how tourism influences retail diversity in European city centres based on a comparative study across multiple cities. It finds that tourism often accelerates the shift towards a one-sided retail offer, with streets increasingly dominated by visitor-oriented shops, particularly in highly frequented areas. Conducted in a European policy context, the research highlights both the challenges cities face—such as regulatory constraints like the EU Services Directive—and the strategies they use, including licensing systems and active centre management. Further detailed insights can be found in the published whitepaper (English) available in the link below or through the article link (in Dutch). 

Article: https://www.sweco.nl/actueel/white-papers/europees-onderzoek-toerisme-versnelt-verdwijnen-van-lokale-winkels-in-stadscentra/