The Efus Project
Assessing Challenges and Building Strategies
Between 2013 and 2015, the European Forum for Urban Security (Efus) launched a project with European Commission backing to address the relationship between tourism and urban security. Acknowledging tourists’ elevated risk of crime due to unfamiliar environments, Efus focused on enhancing safety in a manner respectful of residents’ lifestyles. Cities involved in the initiative performed detailed security audits and shared best practices to develop customized security strategies that were specific to each city’s distinct makeup. By recognizing each location’s unique challenges and leveraging their specific strengths, the project aimed to create effective, context-sensitive solutions that would improve safety for tourists while preserving the local culture and way of life. This tailored approach ensured that the strategies would be effective for the individual needs of each urban area involved in the program.
Practical Measures and Local Partnerships
Following the strategic development, cities implemented practical measures to diminish the risks associated with tourism. These included awareness campaigns targeting tourists, offering guidance on safety practices and local customs. Cities also worked to enhance their reception and support systems for visitors, ensuring that the tourists’ experiences could be both enjoyable and secure. A critical aspect of these strategies was promoting a harmonious relationship between tourists and resident communities. Efus recognized that for security measures to be sustainable, they needed to be accepted by the local population. Reinforced local partnerships among law enforcement, city officials, tourism boards, and community groups became a hallmark of the initiative, emphasizing collaboration as a cornerstone of urban safety.
Outcomes and Recommendations
Knowledge Dissemination and Application
In June 2015, a pivotal conference in Paris facilitated a comprehensive exchange of successful strategies and insights among cities. This gathering was not merely an exposition of progress but a dynamic forum for sharing the wisdom forged from these urban initiatives. The collective experiences were woven into a compelling narrative, culminating in a set of strategic recommendations. These were later encapsulated in the guide “Security and Tourism: Concerted Local Policies.” The guide stands as a testament to the project’s depth, offering a trove of applicable examples aimed to aid other municipalities grappling with analogous issues. It serves as a beacon for cities worldwide, instructing them on how to navigate and balance the delicate interplay between preserving security and fostering tourism, based on proven local policies.
Fostering a Cooperative Approach
“Security and Tourism: Concerted Local Policies” serves as an essential guide for European cities grappling with the effects of tourism on urban security. The work effectively argues that prioritizing tourist safety and maintaining the local quality of life are compatible goals. By embracing strategic planning and fostering cooperative community relationships, the guide illustrates how cities can successfully balance these interests. Efus’s project, encapsulating a broad analysis in its concluding report, underscores the necessity of collaborative efforts to safeguard the shared, dynamic spaces of Europe’s cities for the benefit of both residents and visitors. This vision of cooperative urban management has been reaffirmed as a cornerstone for preserving the social and cultural fabric of municipalities under the pressure of tourism.
