Final answer:
Option (c), The principal barrier to urban tourism is often negative stereotypes, driven by concerns about violent crime and issues like traffic congestion and social inequality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Typically, the principal barrier to urban tourism is negative stereotypes. This barrier often arises from concerns about violent crime, which can deter tourists from visiting urban areas. Additionally, issues such as traffic congestion, housing affordability, and social inequality can contribute to negative perceptions of cities, further discouraging tourism.
This perception is sometimes reinforced by the media and may not always reflect the reality of the locations in question. However, it is crucial for cities to address these issues and improve their image to attract more tourists and benefit from the economic boost that tourism provides.