Cultural tourism and creative regeneration: two case studies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of the creative city, the factors conditioning creativity in cities and how they stimulate urban innovation and local development. Furthermore, by way of examples, the paper aims to illustrate two emblematic case studies and the main elements which were considered for the sustainable urban regeneration. Design/methodology/approach The paper gives both a theoretical contribution on the relationship between the creative regeneration and cultural tourism, and empirically illustrates two cases for comparative study. The case studies are explained taking care to present information and figures of interest for the purposes of the work, with useful data to implement project descriptions and draw appropriate conclusions. Findings The research found that, in order to achieve the long‐term success of urban and cultural regeneration, the involvement and integration of the local community at all levels throughout the process, and the need to enhance and consolidate place identity, all in respect of economic, social and environmental sustainability, are critical factors. Originality/value The theoretical and empirical contribution of the paper is organized so as to emphasize the interdisciplinary relationships between some aspects of creative projects that are considered of particular importance to boost cultural tourism such as: place identity, sustainable development, urban regeneration and involvement of the population.