Propositions for a Socio-Spatial Paradigm Shift in Tourism

The tourists` experience is often characterized by exteriority and a marginal understanding of the cultural, social, and environmental context. The goal is to investigate how the social and spatial distance between tourists and locals can be bridged. Tourists’ experience is heightened when engaging in the same space and common social activities with locals. A variety of strategies, like third places, non-mainstream experiences, homestays and community-based tourism, and relevant design criteria are identified and exemplified by case studies. Third places, which are significant for community and public life as people interact, provide the socio-spatial setting for contact between locals and tourists. Specifically designed third places, where usually separated facilities for locals and tourists are merged, further catalyze their interaction. Activities that facilitate experiences beyond the tourists` usual tracks provide an insight into local life and intensify the social contact between the two groups. Community-based tourism, where local communities have full ownership and management of the tourism experience, also facilitates direct social interactions and authentic experiences. The chapter concludes that tourists’ experiences should be seen as an integral part of the design of the overall development with a special focus on the socio-spatial dimension. The innovative and holistic approach for stakeholders, such as policy makers, urban designers, or tourism destination management, has the potential to create a strong authentic tourist experience, cross-cultural understanding, and a better place for residents to live in.