Bottom-up touristification and urban transformations in Paris

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper seeks to explore and reflect on the interrelatedness of tourism growth and urban transformations in Paris. Being a top destination in European city tourism, the French capital provides an excellent opportunity to study the particular role of tourism in urban transformations. Based on substantial exploratory fieldwork that was carried out between 2013 and 2016, we argue that Paris is subject to on-going dynamics of touristification that are particularly intense at the margins of the existing tourist hot spots. First, we identify relevant tourist areas using GPS tracking technology and field observation techniques. Second, we discuss the role of Airbnb in the emerging touristification of widely gentrified residential neighborhoods. Third, we reflect on the urban mobility practices of cyclists and pedestrians which have the potential to foster touristification by interconnecting various tourist hotspots and accommodation locations. We suggest that the current urban transformations should primarily be seen as a bottom-up initiative that involves both tourists and residents in the city. Considering tourism growth and urban transformations as mutually constitutive processes, we conclude with a consideration of potential future developments in Paris.