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Article
Publication date: 17 May 2021

Pedro Guimarães

The excess of tourism in some destinations has led to the discussion of overtourism. One of the sectors that most interacts with tourism is retail, a key element in the experience…

Abstract

Purpose

The excess of tourism in some destinations has led to the discussion of overtourism. One of the sectors that most interacts with tourism is retail, a key element in the experience lived by tourists. The purpose of this paper is to analyse how retail evolves in a context of an overtourism city, how it relates with touristification and what are the elements that best characterise such evolution and relation.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on a case study, using the main historic city centre of Lisbon for that purpose. Fieldwork was developed by the author to collect information about the commercial fabric and its main characteristics.

Findings

The findings show a clear adaptation of the commercial fabric of the analysed area to the tourism industry. Furthermore, the author unfolded that the change of retail is towards a consumption environment based on leisure, involving the adaptation of the public space into terraces, and on the thematisation of stores, using elements seen as “authentically” Portuguese, which bestows on theses spaces a sort of certification of quality and authenticity.

Originality/value

The mere reference to the homogenisation of the retail fabric is too simple to explain the richness and variety of elements imbedded in the process of retail change in a context of excessive tourism and touristification. In this paper, the author produced novel knowledge by analysing the elements that embody the evolution of retail in such a context.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 August 2020

Rotem Mashkov and Noam Shoval

In an age when a tourist’s gaze is more involved in the daily lives of locals, it is evident that traditional food markets are being rediscovered as a space for recreation. Yet…

Abstract

Purpose

In an age when a tourist’s gaze is more involved in the daily lives of locals, it is evident that traditional food markets are being rediscovered as a space for recreation. Yet, the pressure of tourism development may result in retail gentrification to the point of losing the sense of local identity. Focusing on the “boutiquing” process at Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem, this paper aims to measure the physical change in the marketplace, to understand merchants’ attitudes towards tourism development, and to differentiate merchants based on their responses to these changes.

Design/methodology/approach

Two main research methods were used: comparative mapping of the business mix and in-depth interviews with merchants. The first method was used to characterize the physical change in the market, and the second method was used to examine merchants’ attitudes and responses to tourism development.

Findings

There has been a significant physical change in the business mix of the market, with displacing mainly of traditional uses. A strong link between the merchants’ responses to tourism development and their stall ownership status has found.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study lie in its nature as a qualitative study of a case study; there is difficulty in generalizing and drawing universal conclusions.

Originality/value

Add to existing knowledge regarding merchants’ responses in traditional food markets to tourism development in the context of retail gentrification.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 June 2019

Sara María Torres Outón

The purpose of this paper is to explore, through the analysis case, how the revitalization of a historic centre has been carried out and the role of tourism in this process.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore, through the analysis case, how the revitalization of a historic centre has been carried out and the role of tourism in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study area is well-documented as there has been extensive fieldwork on the transformation of the commercial sector in the Monumental Zone of Pontevedra in the last three decades. In order to prepare this paper, a bibliographic review, in-depth interviews, premises registration data and population data have been used.

Findings

The findings show that the processes of change and revitalization do not conform to a single reality common to all historical centres, although similar strategies are developed, the role of the participating actors and, especially, the idiosyncrasy of these spaces change the outcomes. On the one hand, gentrification does not occur and the increase of residential uses is still a goal. On the other hand, the tourism strategy brings more visitors and complements the commerce activity and attraction.

Social implications

The new challenge of these spaces, and the urban contribution from this research, is that in the appropriation of space by citizens, tourism may be a complement for commerce, and shops and hospitality (facilities) make these spaces more livable. Although tourism does not necessarily increase the number of residents, the revenue from tourism may prevent the reoccurrence of abandonment.

Originality/value

The paper focusses on both gentrification and touristification; processes that have led to the substitution of residents and activities and the conflict with the local population and the normalization of urban life. This case has been selected because despite a seemingly successful revitalization process, recently some old threats seem to be returning.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 September 2019

Maria Gravari-Barbas and Sébastien Jacquot

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the mechanisms involved in the progressive integration of marginal and peripheral urban areas, located close to established tourist…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the mechanisms involved in the progressive integration of marginal and peripheral urban areas, located close to established tourist destinations, into the visited tourism perimeter, and the interplay of the supporting public and private actors. It focusses on the intertwining processes of commercial gentrification, heritagization and aestheticization of former “ordinary” or marginal areas as tools for and indications of their tourism development. It explores how the metropolitan tourism geography is progressively redesigned.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a comprehensive literature analysis, the Saint-Ouen flea market was selected as the object of study. The methodology is based on extensive in situ observations, a systematic analysis of the press and a corpus of tourist guides and several in-depth interviews with local public and private stakeholders.

Findings

This paper shows that combined public (Parisian urban and tourism stakeholders) and private interests led to the integration in the tourism perimeter of a space that was once on the margins of the tourism and metropolitan area. It highlights the mechanisms of this integration and the link between touristification, gentrification, aestheticization and artification. It was found that private investors and political decision makers regard Saint-Ouen flea market as a major opportunity for tourism and real estate development, which leads to some contradictions regarding heritage protection. Finally, it shows that market traders opposed the evolution of a commercial place into a place of symbolic consumption. At another level, it shows the stakes of tourism diversification in a metropolitan tourism destination that is characterized by overtourism.

Research limitations/implications

More studies are needed to identify not only the potential of flea markets to diversify tourist areas and practices, but also any potential resistance. The consequences on metropolitan tourism can be the subject of additional investigations: can this tourism diversification reduce overtourism in the centre, or is it only a diversification that functions as an additional driver of attractiveness? This research opens new perspectives on the modes of diversification (spatial and experiential) of metropolitan tourism as well as on the role that commercial changes play in these evolutions. It also makes it possible to question the modes of engagement of investors and traders in tourism.

Originality/value

This is an in-depth analysis of the case of Saint-Ouen flea market. The issues raised herein are applicable to similar peripheral urban areas, flea markets especially, that are rarely studied on the tourism-aestheticization-gentrification nexus. The analysis also shows the diversification of places and imaginaries of metropolitan tourism.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 May 2021

Alicia María García-Amaya, Rafael Temes-Cordovez, Moisés Simancas-Cruz and María Pilar Peñarrubia-Zaragoza

In the past decade, urban tourism has increased worldwide as a result of the development of peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation platforms such as Airbnb, causing a major disruption…

Abstract

Purpose

In the past decade, urban tourism has increased worldwide as a result of the development of peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation platforms such as Airbnb, causing a major disruption to the tourism industry and urban space. The expansion of tourist accommodation in cities has motivated many governments to act, to control its effects and reduce conflicts between tourists and residents. The purpose of this paper is to identify the attractions that have motivated the concentration of P2P accommodation and its effects in specific areas of Valencia different from the historical centre: the Russafa and El Cabanyal-Canyamelar neighbourhoods.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used includes fieldwork and spatial analysis of factors such as the housing market, tourist attractions, local businesses and urban renewal policies.

Findings

The current spatial distribution pattern of tourist housing in Valencia is the result of the convergence of various factors: the initial presence of tourists in some areas; the evolution of certain aspects of the neighbourhood due to urban renewal; the concentration of tourist and leisure activities; the effects of the legal framework

Originality/value

Many researchers have addressed the effects of rising short-term rentals (STRs) in cities, but the causes of their concentration in specific neighbourhoods different from historical centres have not yet been sufficiently investigated. This research looks in depth at the urban causes and effects of the spatial distribution of tourist housing in Valencia, to anticipate possible future concentrations of STRs in other areas and to avoid gentrification. The methodology and results could be applied to other cities. The research implies a detailed and analysis of different aspects that act simultaneously such as the housing market, the evolution of the population and changes in the business.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 October 2019

Michael Shaw

Sydney road in Melbourne is a multicultural experiment where Hipster youth culture contests the street space with a variety of immigrants from the Middle East and Indian…

Abstract

Purpose

Sydney road in Melbourne is a multicultural experiment where Hipster youth culture contests the street space with a variety of immigrants from the Middle East and Indian subcontinent who consumer Halal food. This paper explores the relationship between these through an examination of their respective cuisines and negative online restaurant reviews. The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of conflict as it expresses itself in this way and to consider the wider political context in passing.

Design/methodology/approach

Google online restaurant reviews for all food outlets in the area were tabulated and then the percentage of negative reviews was calculated. Restaurants were split into categories by area and by ethnicity. The results were then discussed with reference to other research in this area.

Findings

Hipster, Middle Eastern Halal and pubs enjoyed the lowest levels of negative online reviews. Indian, Pakistani and chain restaurants had the highest levels of negative online reviews. This could be due to many undetermined causes.

Research limitations/implications

More powerful analytical tools were not used. Also, the text of the reviews was not examined or discussed.

Practical implications

Restaurants who attract larger percentages of negative reviews should try to improve their service offerings. This can be achieved by the standardisation of market offering.

Social implications

The local municipality, which is Moreland council should consider focussing on promoting and expanding this precinct and encouraging the emergence of several zones so that Islamic tourism and way of life can be facilitated.

Originality/value

This is a simple and interesting approach, which encapsulates the paradoxes and dynamics of the Australian attitude to multiculturalism by focusing on a single aspect of customer response in a consumption setting. As such it is an antidote to excessive theorising and empiricism. Readers will enjoy this study and may use the approach to guide their own choice of dining venues.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 11 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 July 2020

Aliaa AlSadaty, Dalila ElKerdany, Neveen Hamza, Sahar Imam, Tamer ElSerafi and Mahmoud Abdallah

This paper aims to address socio-spatial challenges facing the sustainable regeneration of the 19th-century historic covered Attaba market. One of the few remaining historic…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to address socio-spatial challenges facing the sustainable regeneration of the 19th-century historic covered Attaba market. One of the few remaining historic market buildings in Cairo. Understanding these challenges is crucial as there is a pressing need for these buildings to be included in the national heritage regeneration policies that would foster their role as sustainable socio-economic urban nuclei within the city center.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper detects the socio-spatial transformation of the Attaba market through the comparison of archival material. This is supported by observations on the current socio-spatial aspects of the market including forms of interactions, conflicts and interventions of various user groups. A number of 30 semi-structured interviews with traders of the Attaba market were conducted inside the market, along with in-depth observations carried out between 2016 and 2018. Finally, information about local policies toward the market is obtained through interviews with local officials currently managing the market, namely, the Egyptian Endowment Authority and Cairo Governorate.

Findings

The findings reveal a lack of clear regeneration policy and a complete absence of public participation in decision-making. These factors erode the crucial role these markets play in revitalizing the city’s socio-economic strength and threaten their tangible and intangible values.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on one of the understudied building types that, however, represent key opportunities for the sustainable development of their contexts. The paper proposes a framework that can be applied to regenerate the Attaba market and its surroundings. When tested, the framework can be also adjusted and applied to the other historic covered markets in Cairo.

Details

Journal of Humanities and Applied Social Sciences, vol. 3 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN:

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 April 2021

Alexandre Silva, Elisabete Figueiredo, Mónica Truninger, Celeste Eusébio and Teresa Forte

The purpose of this paper is to explore and typify the characteristics and diverse features of urban speciality stores selling rural provenance food, taking the case of three…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and typify the characteristics and diverse features of urban speciality stores selling rural provenance food, taking the case of three cities in Portugal.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on hierarchical cluster analysis, performed upon data collected from a survey to 113 shops, located in Aveiro (n = 15), Lisbon (n = 56) and Porto (n = 42).

Findings

The study identified three clusters of shops according to the type of rural provenance products sold, services provided and clientele characteristics: the wine focused, the rural provenance focused and the generalist. The study confirms that in Portugal, small food retail outlets, with different rural provenance patterns and degrees of specialization have considerably grown in large cities over the last decade.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to typifying urban speciality food stores selling rural provenance products and to addressing critical research gaps on this topic. The study highlights the dynamism of small food retail outlets and their significance, mediating and responding to changing patterns of food consumption in urban spaces.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a better understanding and characterization of food speciality shops in urban settings and their links with rural territories of provenance, an under-researched topic on the food retail literature.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 9 October 2017

Steve Millington and Nikos Ntounis

Drawing on evidence from ten towns (across England, Wales and Northern Ireland) participating in the High Street UK 2020 (HSUK2020) project, the purpose of this paper is to reveal…

9730

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on evidence from ten towns (across England, Wales and Northern Ireland) participating in the High Street UK 2020 (HSUK2020) project, the purpose of this paper is to reveal how local stakeholders involved in place management respond to high street decline through a strategy of repositioning.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper identifies the challenges faced by the towns considering repositioning, and highlights examples of good practice of relevance to the practitioners. First, it outlines the perspectives on repositioning from the academic research and theory, before drawing on evidence from across ten UK towns that participated in the HSUK2020 project, to reveal how repositioning involves more than just taking a snapshot profile of a place.

Findings

The research revealed major challenges faced by local stakeholders in clearly identifying and communicating their market position, in particular, the maintenance of up-to-date information on catchments was lacking at all the locations. Despite having local knowledge and some data, stakeholders still did not possess a clear (or shared) understanding of the identity or function of their towns. This evidence reflects the complexity of analysing and understanding repositioning and developing coherent strategies.

Practical implications

Knowledge exchange between stakeholders involved in place management can help inform the identification of new strategic objectives, appropriate interventions and project planning and delivery. Where resources are limited, particularly in smaller towns and settlements, the research demonstrates the significance of collecting and sharing data and analysis with other stakeholders, because this can generate positive outcomes for all.

Originality value

By offering empirical evidence based on the experience of local practitioners, this paper provides valuable insight into how town centre stakeholders collect, interpret and analyse data, revealing the challenges, opportunities and practicalities involved in developing and implementing repositioning strategies.

Details

Journal of Place Management and Development, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2015

Pieter Terhorst and Hilal Erkuş-Öztürk

This paper aims to show that the field of restaurants in Amsterdam, a tourist-historic city par excellence where tourism and daily life of locals are spatially intimately…

1712

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to show that the field of restaurants in Amsterdam, a tourist-historic city par excellence where tourism and daily life of locals are spatially intimately intertwined, is nevertheless segmented according to types of restaurants and their micro-geography (passers-by streets versus side streets and “hidden places” in the city). The kernel of the authors’ argument is that on the restaurant market, just as on markets of other cultural products, there is a lot of quality uncertainty because the standards of valuation are contested, differ between classes and lifestyle groups and vary in space and time.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study is based on face-to-face interviews with tourists and restaurants in the summer of 2013 in Amsterdam. The restaurants to be interviewed were selected on the basis of a stratified sample of new start-ups, covering different neighbourhoods of Amsterdam. The interviews with restaurants and tourists were done on the basis of some open-ended and some semi-structured questions. Simple cross-tabulation tables with shares, Herfindahl index measures and a chi-square analysis were employed to make the analysis.

Findings

Quality uncertainty in the restaurant market is higher for tourists than for locals. Restaurants that are strongly oriented to the tourism market are more found in the lower-middle segments of the market, are more located in passers-by streets, participate less in local networks and monitor other restaurants less than restaurants that are predominantly dependent on locals.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the lack of interest of making interviews from tourists, the authors could only apply interviews to queuing tourists who have time to reply questions. The long queue was mainly in front of Van Gogh Museum. Madame Taussauds Museum and the boat tours queue was tried a lot but no success achieved for making interviews. The authors’ empirical research is based on interviews with tourists only, whereas gentrifiers are not interviewed at all.

Practical implications

This paper enriches knowledge on food tourism on the one hand and the relation between urban tourism and gentrification on the other. Streets with a variety of different restaurants and shops are attractive to both locals and tourists. But the more attractive those streets become, the more property prices increase as a result of which their diversity and attractiveness particularly to locals declines.

Social implications

This paper argues that mainstream economics does go very far in analysing the restaurant market. The authors argue that Bourdieu’s impressive works bring us further. That is why the authors prefer the concept of field to market because the concept of field implies power relations largely neglected in mainstream economic analysis. However, Bourdieu hardly pays attention to geographical space (only social space). By bringing geography in to the field of restaurants, the authors get a better grip on the geography of social construction of quality and why tourists have a peripheral position in the field vis-à-vis gentrifiers (or locals).

Originality/value

Most of the literature on food tourism is strongly focussed on the demand side and neglects the supply side and is very empiristic, ignoring the analysis of how the restaurant market really works; it never wonders how it is possible that the restaurant market works, given the problem of quality uncertainty. This paper aims to link production and consumption in the restaurant market under conditions of quality uncertainty. The paper enlarges knowledge on the relation between urban tourism and gentrification in tourist-historic cities. Although both are spatially intertwined in those cities, the authors argue that there is a tendency to segmentation in the restaurant market.

Details

International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6182

Keywords

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