Papers and Book Chapters by Claudio Milano
Anti-tourism activism and the inconvenient truths about mass tourism, touristification and overtourism, 2024
Over the last decade, the debate on tourism has become remarkably polarised. For some, tourism re... more Over the last decade, the debate on tourism has become remarkably polarised. For some, tourism represents the stalwart of neoliberal capitalism, nested in strongly skewed power relations, characterize by exclusionary and resource-degrading agency, which need taming. For others, it remains genuinely coherent with its original promise to be a 'force for good'. this dichotomy is per se an eye-opener for critical reflections. Drawing on anthropology and critical geography literature and informed by longitudinal qualitative ethnographical research conducted in Barcelona between 2017 and 2024, this paper provides a set of critical reflections on the inconvenient truths about mass tourism, touristification and overtourism in the context of the current rising of anti-tourism activism in southern european destinations. By offering a bird's eye view on the well traversed debate, the purpose of this state of the art paper is to stimulate further critical considerations on the uneven dynamics of tourism capital accumulation, the deep-rooted inequalities associated with it and the effects of tourism excesses, with mass tourism being investigated as a phenomenon, touristification as a process and overtourism as a regime.
CITIES, 2024
This editorial introduces a collection of papers that engage with the emerging political dimensio... more This editorial introduces a collection of papers that engage with the emerging political dimension of tourism in urban development issues from multiple transversal perspectives. It provides a brief overview of the evolution of tourism as a research object concerning urban studies and political economies of place. Subsequently, we cover the various epistemological ‘turns’ – and their corresponding critiques – which have drawn interest towards tourism as a transformative force over urban communities in recent years. On this matter, the COVID-19 pandemic brought to the fore the intricate interplay between tourism mobilities and immobilities, as well as dependence and vulnerability and structural inequalities and multiscale material agencies. Based on these insights, we advocate a political-economy approach to the study of cities and their tourism-driven transformations that address the key structural factors and dynamics contributing to inequality in urban communities. Finally, we present the contributions in this collection and the insights that stem from a range of different interdisciplinary perspectives with regard to such a political-economy approach. Following on from this, we argue for a stronger transversal perspective, both in research and in practice with regard to tourism (im)mobilities.
Tourism & Management Studies, 2024
The analysis of the impact of Community Based Tourism (CBT) has revealed a significant divergence... more The analysis of the impact of Community Based Tourism (CBT) has revealed a significant divergence in assessments. This paper aims to analyse the factors contributing to the observed "Duality Dilemma" in CBT projects. The research seeks to leave behind a simplistic binary perspective that categorises CBT solely as either beneficial or problematic. The paper identifies three key variables contributing to this dual perspective: a) the Context Variable, which displays how the outcomes of CBT projects m can vary based on the specific circumstances in which they are implemented; b) the Methodological Variable, which underlines the importance of developing long-term and longitudinal fieldwork to avoid a biased analysis based on the shortterm observations; c) the Paradigm Variable which takes into account that the researcher's theoretical framework inevitably shapes their focus, potentially emphasising certain outcomes over others. Finally, the paper draws on empirical evidence based on a 30-year longitudinal ethnographic study conducted on Amantaní island (Lake Titicaca, Peruvian Andes).
Policrisis y metamorfosis del capitalismo turístico, 2024
Aunque los trastornos causados por la pandemia hayan disminuido, el capitalismo turístico sigue i... more Aunque los trastornos causados por la pandemia hayan disminuido, el capitalismo turístico sigue inmerso en múltiples crisis que se entrecruzan y se retroalimentan. Este artículo argumenta que las crisis turísticas no solo se circunscriben al sector, sino que son el resultado directo de las dinámicas estructurales de acumulación de capital turístico, las cuales las incuban y configuran. El artículo se fundamenta en la
epistemología materialista histórica y una teorización crítica del capitalismo, con el propósito de cuestionar las concepciones ortodoxas sobre las crisis en el turismo y explorar sus raíces estructurales profundas. Por último, se reflexiona sobre la naturaleza de estas crisis en relación con las transformaciones del capitalismo turístico en España y los esfuerzos continuos por contrarrestar esta tendencia inherente a experimentar
crisis recurrentes.
Annals of Tourism Research, 2024
While the disruption caused by the COVID19 pandemic has receded, tourism capitalism continues to ... more While the disruption caused by the COVID19 pandemic has receded, tourism capitalism continues to be imbricated in multiple and intersecting crises. This paper argues that the roots of such crises and the manner of their unfolding do not merely 'impact' tourism but have been incubated within and shaped by the structural dynamics of tourism capital accumulation itself. This paper draws on a historical materialist epistemology and critical theorization of capitalism to challenge orthodox framings of tourism crises and their deep-rooted structural drivers. The paper reflects on the nature of crises in relation to the mutations of Spanish tourism capitalism and the continual efforts to resolve the crisis-prone nature of tourism.
Tourism Geographies , 2023
One of the last decade's major challenges faced by tourist cities has been dominated by the incre... more One of the last decade's major challenges faced by tourist cities has been dominated by the increasing tourism flows that have harmed the quality of life of residents, the neighbourhood's sense of belonging, and the stakeholders' concerns regarding reliance on tourism. however, tourism mobilities are not the only drivers of structural change in cities. the advent of temporary residents, digital nomads, international students, short-stay expats, and creative workers have shaped the way cities have evolved together with tourism mobilities. this paper will present research conducted in the Vila de Gràcia neighbourhood in Barcelona, which has undergone a thoughtful transformation in terms of tourism-oriented businesses specialisation, housing market prices, sociodemographic changes, the use of public space and nightlife leisure. Gradually, the Vila de Gràcia neighbourhood has become an emblematic area of leisure and tourism consumption experience in Barcelona. Based on ethnographic fieldwork begun in 2017 and in-depth semi-structured interviews with lifelong and new residents, the research analyses residents' attitude toward touristification processes related to social discontent, nightlife noise, the rise in housing market prices and overcrowding.
Intternational Journal of Tourism Anthropology, 2021
In the second half of the 1960s, rural studies experienced an epistemological shift that led to a... more In the second half of the 1960s, rural studies experienced an epistemological shift that led to a revaluation of the peasant production systems. Until then, both capitalist and orthodox Marxist used to consider these systems as a barrier to agrarian development.
The disappearance of the traditional farmer seemed irreversible and desirable (Giner and Sevilla Guzmán, 1980). When the limits and vulnerabilities of agrarian modernisation, the so-called Grefen Revolution, became evident, this way of thinking started to change.
An ecological interpretation of Marxism and the recovery of agrarian anarchism (Narodnism) redefined the way of understanding historical evolution (Shanin, 1983).
This led to the peasants no longer being seen as an historical category of the past. Their production systems began to be considered as specific models of natural resource exploitation (Sevilla Guzmán, 2006). Specifically, a socially, economically and, ecologically sustainable way of managing the agrosystems.
The paradox of tourism extremes. Excesses and restraints in times of COVID-19, 2021
This paper seeks to highlight underlying issues of the tourism system that
have led to tourism ex... more This paper seeks to highlight underlying issues of the tourism system that
have led to tourism extremes of too much or too little tourism. Five phases
are recognized that reflect different ways of dealing with too much
tourism over time, after which the impact of a sudden lack of tourism is
investigated in light of future renewal processes. This discussion
highlights the remarkable capacity of the tourism industry to adjust to
rapidly changing circumstances and crises, even when these cause
anguish to individuals and within societies at large. The paper thus
seeks to contextualize the current discussions regarding the
transformation of tourism post COVID-19. It highlights the complexity of
changing a tourism that multiple stakeholders depend on or have
grown accustomed to. To come to a more balanced tourism, it is
necessary to not only come up with alternative visions and strategies,
but also to engage with the political economy nature of tourism
development. A future research agenda should therefore also discuss
facets of entangled power, social exclusion, inequalities and class
differences to come to new reference points of what actually
constitutes a more inclusive tourism success.
Living with not just from urban tourism policy planning for the post Covid restart phase, 2021
Urban tourism has recorded unprecedented growth since the turn of the millennium and has been wel... more Urban tourism has recorded unprecedented growth since the turn of the millennium and has been welcomed in destination cities as a source of economic development. But cities' tourism economies have been among the hardest hit sectors by the COVID-19 crisis. To address the crisis, local authorities, national tourism offices and destination marketing organisations have focused on rebuilding and reactivating the tourism sector by reviving its value chain and economic interlinkages with other sectors. This brief explores the effects of the COVID-19-induced urban tourism crisis and possible policy responses. The first part provides general background on the evolution of urban tourism governance. Part two analyses the immediate policy responses and countermeasures taken by different scales of government in the face of the pandemic. Most of the public assistance efforts were of a fiscal nature and centred on the rescue of micro, small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs). Building on the analysis of these short-term measures, the brief emphasises how the COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the urgent need to transition to new urban tourism economic models that are more self-sufficient, locally productive and inclusive. Finally, it offers policy recommendations for the development of longer-term strategies that can help interlink future tourism development and the low-carbon urban mobility transition; create local tourism economies with fair working conditions and support for MSMEs; and diversify local economies while transitioning towards more inclusive tourism governance that reduces the sectors' negative social externalities.
Overtourism and employment outcomes for the tourism worker impacts to labour markets, 2021
Purpose – This paper aims to undertake an ideal-typical analysis of the implications of overtouri... more Purpose – This paper aims to undertake an ideal-typical analysis of the implications of overtourism on
employment at the level of the destination.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper offers a theoretical analysis that uses as a starting point a
traditional labour market model to explore the employment implications of a labour demand shock as a
result of overtourism at a destination level. Although a theoretical exploration, examples are provided
offering empirical support for the theoretical propositions.
Findings – Overtourism may lower nominal and real wages, further deepen divisions in an already
divided labour market (particularly between local and migrant workers), increase productivity without its
benefits accruing to the worker and result in deterioration of working conditions. The study also sets
tourism employment within a broader politico-economic framework of neoliberalism.
Research limitations/implications – This study offers scope for further empirical testing of
hypothesized relationships. It also provides a platform to adopt and adapt the theoretical propositions to
suit different contexts.
Originality/value – This study uses overtourism as an ideal-type, combined with an analysis of the
labour market to theorise the impacts of a labour demand shock.
El papel de la economía informal en los proyectos agroecológicos durante el COVID-19, 2020
El 13 de marzo de 2020 España decretó el estado de alarma debido a la emergencia sanitaria por el... more El 13 de marzo de 2020 España decretó el estado de alarma debido a la emergencia sanitaria por el COVID-19. En este escenario el sector agroalimentario tuvo que responder a una gran demanda en términos de producción y abastecimiento. Entre los diferentes modelos productivos dentro del sector están las pequeñas iniciativas agroecológicas que pretenden desarrollar estilos de vida campesinos por encima de la reproducción del capital. Las pequeñas iniciativas agroecológicas han tenido que adaptarse a los cambios impuestos por el estado de alarma para poder continuar con su actividad principal: la producción y distribución de alimentos a escala local. A partir de un enfoque cualitativo se reflexiona sobre los retos qué han afrontado las pequeñas iniciativas agroecológicas con las regulaciones de la vida pública y los efectos que
han tenido las medidas sobre su actividad. Asimismo, la investigación se centra en cuestionar el doble papel de la economía informal como amortiguador y limitante para su propio funcionamiento. Se analiza el papel que juega la economía informal en el sector agroalimentario local en la zona periurbana de Barcelona y de Madrid.
Turistificación Global: Perspectivas críticas en turismo , 2019
El presente capítulo tiene como objetivo plantear la creciente relación entre movimientos sociale... more El presente capítulo tiene como objetivo plantear la creciente relación entre movimientos sociales y turismo. En las últimas décadas, ciertos territorios han visto cómo un desarrollo turístico basado en el crecimiento ilimitado y
la masificación se ha enfrentado a duras críticas por parte de asociaciones y organizaciones locales. A pesar de no ser un fenómeno realmente novedoso, esta conflictiva relación ha recibido un extraordinario eco en los medios de
comunicación, los cuales han acabado generando un efecto amplificador.
Si bien hay una producción bibliográfica extensa sobre la categorización y evolución de los movimientos sociales, así como sobre las múltiples y posibles perspectivas de análisis del fenómeno turístico por separado, los estudios que relacionan ambos fenómenos son escasos y recientes.
Milano, C., Cheer, J. M., & Novelli, M. (2019). Overtourism: an evolving phenomenon. In C. Milano, J.M. Cheer and M. Novelli, Overtourism: excesses, discontents and measures in travel and tourism, Abingdon: CABI, pp. 1-17., 2019
This is a prepublication version of the introductory chapter in
Milano, C., Cheer, J. M., & Novel... more This is a prepublication version of the introductory chapter in
Milano, C., Cheer, J. M., & Novelli, M. (Eds.). (2019). Overtourism: Excesses,
discontents and measures in travel and tourism. Abingdon: CABI.
Please cite as:
Milano, C., Cheer, J. M., & Novelli, M. (2019). Overtourism: an evolving
phenomenon. In C. Milano, J.M. Cheer and M. Novelli, Overtourism: excesses,
discontents and measures in travel and tourism, Abingdon: CABI, pp. 1-17.
As a constantly evolving phenomenon, tourism remains subject to new social practices,
changing utilities, variable and at times conflicting stakeholder needs and
transformational trends. No matter how these manifest, historically, the primary
objective of destinations has been to increase visitation. Consequently, models and
measures of tourism success around the globe have mirrored this focus with destination
development campaigns firmly aimed at stimulating growth in visitation, tourist spend
and investment. Between 1960 and 2017, the world population raised from
3,032,160.40 to 7,530,360.15, which represents around 148% (World Bank, 2018),
concomitantly, between 1950 and 2017, tourist increased from 25 million to 1,323
million, which equated to an astonishing 5,192%, (UNWTO, 2017; 2018). Collectively,
these trends signal fertile grounds for global mobility and demand for travel.
Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 2019
Overtourism is a contemporary phenomenon, rapidly evolving and underlined by what is evidently ex... more Overtourism is a contemporary phenomenon, rapidly evolving and underlined by what is evidently excessive visitation to tourist destinations. This is obvious in the seemingly uncontrolled and unplanned occurrence of urban overtourism in popular destinations and arguably a consequence of unregulated capital accumulation and growth strategies heavily associated with selling cities as tourism commodities. The vested interests of social movements has converged into growing protests against overtourism and associated degrowth campaigns have emerged out of this activism that calls for alternative governance and management measures that eschew touristic monoculture and simplistic economic growth-oriented models. Accordingly, we explore the evolution of the tourism degrowth discourse among social movement activists in Barcelona, and in particular, where this is related to claims associated with overtourism and the extent to which this might be influencing a paradigm shift from 'tourism growth' to 'tourism degrowth'. Methodologically, we draw from an overarching framework that leverages long-term ethnographic research in Barcelona. Here, we employ in-depth semi-structured interviews, participant observations, informal conversations and retrospective evaluation of field diary entries.
Journal of Tourism Planning & Development , 2019
Over the past four decades, while the increasing demand for mobility, leisure and unique experien... more Over the past four decades, while the increasing demand for mobility, leisure and unique experiences have been examined as key factors in the growth of tourism, the attendant growth paradigm has historically centered around exponential increments in visitation and this has been at the centre of debates concerning the pressure from and dependence on tourism that has come to characterise destination communities.
Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 2019
Global tourism growth is unprecedented. Consequently, this has elevated
the sector as a key plank... more Global tourism growth is unprecedented. Consequently, this has elevated
the sector as a key plank for economic development, and its utility is
deeply embedded in political, economic and social-ecological discourse.
Where the expansion of the sector leverages natural and cultural landscapes, this applies pressure to social and ecological underpinnings that if not reconciled, can become problematic. The way this plays out in
Australia’s Shipwreck Coast and the wider Great Ocean Road region, especially the implications for community resilience, is the focus. Emphasis is placed on the vulnerability of peripheral coastal areas to development that withdraws from destination endowments, yet fails to provide commensurate economic yield as a suitable trade-off. This is obvious where tourism intensification has led to concerns about the breach of normative carrying capacities. Temporal overtourism driven by seasonal overcrowding is countenanced as emblematic of tourism in the Anthropocene where focus tends to be largely growth-oriented, with much less attention given to bolstering social-ecological resilience, especially community resilience. At stake is the resilience of regional areas and their communities, who in the
absence of garnering commensurate economic returns from tourism
expansion find themselves in social and ecological deficit
Overtourism: Excesses, Discontents and Measures in Travel and Tourism, 2019
As the European summer of 2019 beckons, it seems more than likely that the spectre
of overtouris... more As the European summer of 2019 beckons, it seems more than likely that the spectre
of overtourism will once again emerge amidst the hordes of travellers flocking to
popular cities including Barcelona, Venice, Amsterdam and Reykjavik as featured in
this volume. But of course, these destinations represent one end of the overtourism
spectrum; that is, destinations where host communities and city administrators are
groaning under the weight of growing and seemingly excessive tourist demand. While
at the other extreme, there are destinations off the ‘beaten track’ that would give
almost anything to be afflicted with the problem of too many tourists.
This is a pre-publication version of the final chapter in:
Milano, C., Cheer, J. M., & Novelli, M. (Eds.). (2019). Overtourism: Excesses, discontents and measures in travel and tourism. Oxfordshire CABI.
Please cite as:
Cheer, J. M., Milano, C. & Novelli, M. (2019). Afterword: Over overtourism or just the beginning? In C. Milano, J.M. Cheer and M. Novelli, Overtourism: excesses, discontents and measures in travel and tourism, Oxfordshire: CABI, pp. 227-232
Book: https://www.cabi.org/bookshop/book/9781786399823
Becoming Centre: Tourism placemaking and space production in two neighborhoods in Barcelona, 2019
Over the last decades Barcelona has experienced social and economic
transformations brought by th... more Over the last decades Barcelona has experienced social and economic
transformations brought by the conversion of peripheral
urban neighborhoods into tourist attractions. In this sense urban
tourism has been the latest chapter of spatial reorganization to
sustain capitalism within the global neoliberal environment in the
Catalan city. In addition, the urban commodification process has
expanded into not only central and historical districts, but also
more peripheral zones outside the tourist bubble. Those transformations
signify a symbolic turn: they became part of the centre.
Since the 1992 Olympic Games, Barcelona’s brand, both for the
city and for tourism, has experienced an important promotion
where the urban periphery has become both part of the centre,
as well as part of its global city imagery through placemaking,
public policy, and political decisions. In short, the steady inclusion
of neighborhoods such as Vila de Gracia and Poblenou into the
tourist experience enhances the Barcelonan tourist imagery. The
inclusion of new cultural icons and tourist attractions embody a
slight spatial and symbolic turn to boost the city’s visitor activities.
In order to facilitate an in-depth comprehension, the ethnographical
approach has been taken.
Ciudad de Vacaciones. Conflictos urbanos en ciudades turística, 2018
El puente de agosto de 2014 podría considerarse como el Año 0 de la reciente movilización y organ... more El puente de agosto de 2014 podría considerarse como el Año 0 de la reciente movilización y organización popular contra el fenómeno de la turistificación en Barcelona. La fotografía de un grupo de turistas italianos desnudos paseando por las calles de la Barceloneta a primera hora de la mañana, puso sobre el mapa la realidad de un barrio que venía sufriendo, desde hacía años, los efectos del desarrollo turístico existente en la capital de Catalunya. Como consecuencia de ello, una concentración espontánea en la Plaça del Poeta Boscà de, aproximadamente, dos centenares de vecinos y vecinas, acabó convirtiéndose, el siguiente sábado 22, en una multi-
De dos orillas: imagen y experiencia en el turismo, 2019
Colección PASOS edita, nº 23
Uploads
Papers and Book Chapters by Claudio Milano
epistemología materialista histórica y una teorización crítica del capitalismo, con el propósito de cuestionar las concepciones ortodoxas sobre las crisis en el turismo y explorar sus raíces estructurales profundas. Por último, se reflexiona sobre la naturaleza de estas crisis en relación con las transformaciones del capitalismo turístico en España y los esfuerzos continuos por contrarrestar esta tendencia inherente a experimentar
crisis recurrentes.
The disappearance of the traditional farmer seemed irreversible and desirable (Giner and Sevilla Guzmán, 1980). When the limits and vulnerabilities of agrarian modernisation, the so-called Grefen Revolution, became evident, this way of thinking started to change.
An ecological interpretation of Marxism and the recovery of agrarian anarchism (Narodnism) redefined the way of understanding historical evolution (Shanin, 1983).
This led to the peasants no longer being seen as an historical category of the past. Their production systems began to be considered as specific models of natural resource exploitation (Sevilla Guzmán, 2006). Specifically, a socially, economically and, ecologically sustainable way of managing the agrosystems.
have led to tourism extremes of too much or too little tourism. Five phases
are recognized that reflect different ways of dealing with too much
tourism over time, after which the impact of a sudden lack of tourism is
investigated in light of future renewal processes. This discussion
highlights the remarkable capacity of the tourism industry to adjust to
rapidly changing circumstances and crises, even when these cause
anguish to individuals and within societies at large. The paper thus
seeks to contextualize the current discussions regarding the
transformation of tourism post COVID-19. It highlights the complexity of
changing a tourism that multiple stakeholders depend on or have
grown accustomed to. To come to a more balanced tourism, it is
necessary to not only come up with alternative visions and strategies,
but also to engage with the political economy nature of tourism
development. A future research agenda should therefore also discuss
facets of entangled power, social exclusion, inequalities and class
differences to come to new reference points of what actually
constitutes a more inclusive tourism success.
employment at the level of the destination.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper offers a theoretical analysis that uses as a starting point a
traditional labour market model to explore the employment implications of a labour demand shock as a
result of overtourism at a destination level. Although a theoretical exploration, examples are provided
offering empirical support for the theoretical propositions.
Findings – Overtourism may lower nominal and real wages, further deepen divisions in an already
divided labour market (particularly between local and migrant workers), increase productivity without its
benefits accruing to the worker and result in deterioration of working conditions. The study also sets
tourism employment within a broader politico-economic framework of neoliberalism.
Research limitations/implications – This study offers scope for further empirical testing of
hypothesized relationships. It also provides a platform to adopt and adapt the theoretical propositions to
suit different contexts.
Originality/value – This study uses overtourism as an ideal-type, combined with an analysis of the
labour market to theorise the impacts of a labour demand shock.
han tenido las medidas sobre su actividad. Asimismo, la investigación se centra en cuestionar el doble papel de la economía informal como amortiguador y limitante para su propio funcionamiento. Se analiza el papel que juega la economía informal en el sector agroalimentario local en la zona periurbana de Barcelona y de Madrid.
la masificación se ha enfrentado a duras críticas por parte de asociaciones y organizaciones locales. A pesar de no ser un fenómeno realmente novedoso, esta conflictiva relación ha recibido un extraordinario eco en los medios de
comunicación, los cuales han acabado generando un efecto amplificador.
Si bien hay una producción bibliográfica extensa sobre la categorización y evolución de los movimientos sociales, así como sobre las múltiples y posibles perspectivas de análisis del fenómeno turístico por separado, los estudios que relacionan ambos fenómenos son escasos y recientes.
Milano, C., Cheer, J. M., & Novelli, M. (Eds.). (2019). Overtourism: Excesses,
discontents and measures in travel and tourism. Abingdon: CABI.
Please cite as:
Milano, C., Cheer, J. M., & Novelli, M. (2019). Overtourism: an evolving
phenomenon. In C. Milano, J.M. Cheer and M. Novelli, Overtourism: excesses,
discontents and measures in travel and tourism, Abingdon: CABI, pp. 1-17.
As a constantly evolving phenomenon, tourism remains subject to new social practices,
changing utilities, variable and at times conflicting stakeholder needs and
transformational trends. No matter how these manifest, historically, the primary
objective of destinations has been to increase visitation. Consequently, models and
measures of tourism success around the globe have mirrored this focus with destination
development campaigns firmly aimed at stimulating growth in visitation, tourist spend
and investment. Between 1960 and 2017, the world population raised from
3,032,160.40 to 7,530,360.15, which represents around 148% (World Bank, 2018),
concomitantly, between 1950 and 2017, tourist increased from 25 million to 1,323
million, which equated to an astonishing 5,192%, (UNWTO, 2017; 2018). Collectively,
these trends signal fertile grounds for global mobility and demand for travel.
the sector as a key plank for economic development, and its utility is
deeply embedded in political, economic and social-ecological discourse.
Where the expansion of the sector leverages natural and cultural landscapes, this applies pressure to social and ecological underpinnings that if not reconciled, can become problematic. The way this plays out in
Australia’s Shipwreck Coast and the wider Great Ocean Road region, especially the implications for community resilience, is the focus. Emphasis is placed on the vulnerability of peripheral coastal areas to development that withdraws from destination endowments, yet fails to provide commensurate economic yield as a suitable trade-off. This is obvious where tourism intensification has led to concerns about the breach of normative carrying capacities. Temporal overtourism driven by seasonal overcrowding is countenanced as emblematic of tourism in the Anthropocene where focus tends to be largely growth-oriented, with much less attention given to bolstering social-ecological resilience, especially community resilience. At stake is the resilience of regional areas and their communities, who in the
absence of garnering commensurate economic returns from tourism
expansion find themselves in social and ecological deficit
of overtourism will once again emerge amidst the hordes of travellers flocking to
popular cities including Barcelona, Venice, Amsterdam and Reykjavik as featured in
this volume. But of course, these destinations represent one end of the overtourism
spectrum; that is, destinations where host communities and city administrators are
groaning under the weight of growing and seemingly excessive tourist demand. While
at the other extreme, there are destinations off the ‘beaten track’ that would give
almost anything to be afflicted with the problem of too many tourists.
This is a pre-publication version of the final chapter in:
Milano, C., Cheer, J. M., & Novelli, M. (Eds.). (2019). Overtourism: Excesses, discontents and measures in travel and tourism. Oxfordshire CABI.
Please cite as:
Cheer, J. M., Milano, C. & Novelli, M. (2019). Afterword: Over overtourism or just the beginning? In C. Milano, J.M. Cheer and M. Novelli, Overtourism: excesses, discontents and measures in travel and tourism, Oxfordshire: CABI, pp. 227-232
Book: https://www.cabi.org/bookshop/book/9781786399823
transformations brought by the conversion of peripheral
urban neighborhoods into tourist attractions. In this sense urban
tourism has been the latest chapter of spatial reorganization to
sustain capitalism within the global neoliberal environment in the
Catalan city. In addition, the urban commodification process has
expanded into not only central and historical districts, but also
more peripheral zones outside the tourist bubble. Those transformations
signify a symbolic turn: they became part of the centre.
Since the 1992 Olympic Games, Barcelona’s brand, both for the
city and for tourism, has experienced an important promotion
where the urban periphery has become both part of the centre,
as well as part of its global city imagery through placemaking,
public policy, and political decisions. In short, the steady inclusion
of neighborhoods such as Vila de Gracia and Poblenou into the
tourist experience enhances the Barcelonan tourist imagery. The
inclusion of new cultural icons and tourist attractions embody a
slight spatial and symbolic turn to boost the city’s visitor activities.
In order to facilitate an in-depth comprehension, the ethnographical
approach has been taken.