Touristification levels of public space based on activities: A comparative study of historic Mediterranean port centers—Genoa and Malaga

Gentrification and touristification is driving the urban transformation of historic centers. Pedestrianized public space encapsulates these effects, supporting both building-related and spatial activities. While touristification has been studied at neighborhood or census tract levels—distinguishing fully touristified from transitioning areas—public space remains underexplored, with research often limited to small-scale samples. This study addresses this gap by analyzing touristification through public spaces, identifying degrees of touristification and classifying space types. A multi-phase methodology using indicators of tourist-oriented ground floor and building activities is employed. This approach has also been applied to historic centers in Genoa and Malaga. Findings reveal three touristification levels across three spatial typologies: commercial, mixed and catering, resulting in nine categories. Comparative analysis characterizes these spaces within their urban contexts and interrelations. This study provides a tool for anticipating future scenarios and aids local administrations in tourism planning and regulation.