Transformation of Urban Habitability in the Face of Residential Tourism

Abstract

The research analyzed the effects of residential tourism on urban habitability in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, focusing on the Palos Prietos neighborhood. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through surveys applied to permanent residents and residential tourists, as well as the analysis of official sources such as INEGI and IMPLAN. The results showed an accelerated transformation of the urban environment, characterized by the replacement of single-family homes with vertical real estate developments intended for tourist accommodation, particularly of the Airbnb type. This process generated social tensions, loss of neighborhood identity, and displacement of the local population toward peripheral areas with limited access to urban services. Likewise, increases in noise levels, traffic congestion, and environmental deterioration associated with the rise in construction activity were observed. It was concluded that residential tourism significantly modified housing dynamics, affected the inhabitants’ quality of life, and reconfigured the urban landscape. Finally, the study suggested the need for comprehensive urban management policies to regulate land use and promote sustainability, aiming to balance economic development with social well-being.