A holistic approach towards a more sustainable urban and port planning in tourist cities

Purpose This contribution aims to demonstrate that the adoption of a holistic approach to the development of infrastructures supporting the growth of cruise tourism can represent a trigger for a more sustainable urban and port planning in the Moroccan context. Although, along with this growth, there are global-local issues pertaining to sustainability and resilience that need to be addressed to support sustainable urban and social development of tourist cities. Design/methodology/approach Documents and literature review were used to develop an in-depth analysis related to the different fields involved in the proposed theoretical reflection. Scientific publications, data and international statistical reports have been used to validate the approach. Findings The work provides empirical insights to show the strengths of the country related to the sustainability, suggesting that they deserve to be integrated, involving urban planning, green energy transition, as well as the economic and social sustainability of tourism industry. Originality/value This paper aims to stimulate a debate among stakeholders and scholars involved on tourist port cities urban planning to avoid a “silos” approach and to favour a more sustainable infrastructure development process. In that sense, the paper fulfils the need to provide a basis to encourage the integration of different strategic topics and agenda concerning social and economic growth of tourist port cities.