Málaga hosts the fifth URBACT Cities After Dark meeting
From January 22 to 24, 2025, Málaga will become the epicentre of discussions on the night-time economy and urban attractiveness with the fifth transnational meeting of the URBACT Cities After Dark network. Held within the scope of the URBACT IV programme, the event aims to assess progress, explore challenges, and define innovative strategies for sustainable night-time city management. The meeting will bring together representatives from European cities, international experts, and local stakeholders, and notable figures such as the Night Mayors of Amsterdam and New York City.
Opening Session and Public Event
The highlights include the opening session on January 22, featuring a dialogue on the impact of the night-time economy on urban attractiveness with experts such as Simone d’Antonio, Lead Expert of the Cities After Dark network, and local professionals from Málaga. On the same day, the public event “Málaga 24/7” will focus on sustainable practises for the night-time economy, with contributions from experts like Andreina Seijas and Simone d’Antonio, as well as insights from the Night Mayors of Amsterdam and New York City.
The programme also includes technical visits and case studies, such as a walking tour of the SOHO Málaga project, an urban recovery strategy, along with visits to cultural and business night-time spaces. These initiatives showcase how cities are adapting their night-time strategies to accommodate diverse sectoral dynamics, from entertainment and tourism to public safety and local community engagement.
A key topic of discussion will be the complex relationship between local nightlife and overtourism. The meeting will explore how cities can strike a balance between fostering vibrant night-time economies and mitigating the negative impacts of excessive tourism, ensuring that urban life remains sustainable for both residents and visitors.
On January 23, a review of the progress of Integrated Action Plans (IAPs) will focus on thematic integration and economic development, while on the final day, January 24, partner cities will participate in a peer review of the first drafts of the IAPs. This will allow cities to share experiences and learn from each other’s approaches to managing the challenges and opportunities of their night-time economies.
Advancing the Night-Time Economy
The Cities After Dark network has made significant strides in promoting the sustainable development of the night-time economy. Partner cities have worked to integrate innovative policies that balance economic growth with the well-being of residents and the protection of local heritage. From tackling the impacts of overtourism to fostering diverse cultural offerings, these efforts highlight how cities are reshaping their urban landscapes to thrive during night hours while addressing the needs of different sectors. This meeting is a crucial opportunity to deepen collaboration among European cities and consolidate strategies that combine economic development, sustainable tourism, and responsible management of the night-time economy.
For more insights into the Cities After Dark network, its methodology, and previous findings, you can consult: https://urbact.eu/networks/cities-after-dark
About URBACT Cities After Dark
URBACT Cities After Dark is a transnational network that brings together European cities committed to promoting sustainable and inclusive nocturnal urban development. Through the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and best practises, the network aims to strengthen cities’ capacities to address the challenges and seize the opportunities associated with urban nightlife.
Under the theme “Night-time Economy for Sustainable Growth,” this project, led by Braga, involves ten European cities, including Paris (France), Tallinn (Estonia), Varna (Bulgaria), Genoa (Italy), Malaga (Spain), Nicosia (Cyprus), Piraeus (Greece), Zadar (Croatia), and Budva (Montenegro).
Source: Nicosia Municipality | Announcements | Announcements 2025 (https://shorturl.at/M0gFK)