Entrepreneurial networks in creative tourism place-making: Dali village, Wuhan, China

Abstract

Entrepreneurial motivations and networks in creative tourism place-making are examined using a descriptive case study approach. In Dali creative village in Wuhan, China, place-making was primarily driven by creative artisans and entrepreneurs from elsewhere. Actors’ social networks were primarily personal and lacked business cooperation, indicating the organic nature of place-making. The diversity of individual resources, capabilities and expectations of entrepreneurs has led to the lack of a consistent vision of place-making. Tension over ownership of place-making appeared between residential and nonresidential groups. Creative tourism entrepreneurs need to adapt to the restructuring forces of tourism and commercialization and adjust social networks as place-making stages evolve. This research contributes to the understanding of social networks and their roles in place-making, with implications for creative tourism planning and management.