Abstract

Tourism gentrification has emerged as a critical urban challenge driven by the rapid expansion of short-term 
rental markets and the intensification of global tourism flows. This paper examines the relationship between 
short-term rentals, neighborhood transformation, and displacement, situating tourism gentrification within 
broader debates on urban change and housing inequality. It develops a conceptual framework linking affordability, 
amenities, social mix, and value capture to explain how tourism demand reshapes urban spaces. The analysis 
highlights multiple forms of displacement physical, functional, ritual, and symbolic arising from the conversion of 
residential housing into tourism-oriented uses. Drawing on comparative case studies, the paper demonstrates how 
the scale and impact of tourism gentrification vary across cities depending on regulatory frameworks, housing 
market conditions, and patterns of investment. It further evaluates policy instruments, including regulatory caps, 
zoning restrictions, and enforcement mechanisms, alongside their trade-offs in balancing economic growth with 
housing affordability and community stability. An equity perspective underscores the disproportionate burden on 
low-income residents and marginalized communities. The study concludes that while tourism contributes to urban 
revitalization, unchecked short-term rental expansion risks exacerbating displacement and socio-spatial 
inequalities, necessitating integrated, context-sensitive policy responses.