Street Art and Sustainable Tourism: A Case Study of Bogotá, Colombia

Abstract

Street art presents an alternative to traditional tourist attractions, contributing to urban regeneration and economic diversification in marginalized areas. However, as with any form of tourism, without proper planning, it can negatively affect the quality of life of local communities. Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is currently recognized as one of the leading street art destinations in Latin America, attracting significant interest from international visitors. This study explores the sustainability of street art tourism in Bogotá’s historic center, based on the perspectives of key tourism stakeholders, addressing a gap in academic literature on this emerging cultural tourism practice. Fieldwork was conducted using a mixed-methods approach that combined qualitative and quantitative techniques. In-depth interviews were held with members of the local community, street artists, tourism entrepreneurs, and representatives from the local public administration of culture and tourism. Additionally, the study included tourist surveys, participant observation during street art tours, and mapping exercises. Findings indicate that visitors perceive Bogotá’s street art as an authentic and distinctive experience that deepens their understanding of local culture, values, and history. Interviewees from the host community generally express a positive view of street art tourism, as it is associated with supporting local businesses and enhancing perceptions of safety in the area. Notably, the street art tours that appear to deliver the most significant socioeconomic benefits to residents are those organized through community-based tourism initiatives, supported by public institutions. The study results suggest that street art tourism in Bogotá might have significant potential to enhance the city’s image, attract cultural visitors, and diversify traditional tourist offerings through authentic experiences. Coordinated efforts by public administrations could help realize this potential, including promoting street art, expanding tours beyond the historic center, and improving infrastructure and mobility to support tourism in new urban areas. Furthermore, the sustainability of street art tourism depends on collaboration among public institutions, private tourism actors, local communities, and street artists, which might help mitigate potential negative impacts on the local community.