Touristification of consumption spaces describes a process in which retail and hospitality businesses adapt to the tourist demand, eroding place attachment among local residents. While this is an important cause of resistance to tourism, little is known about the mechanisms that drive or mediate this process. We address this gap by interviewing entrepreneurs in Amsterdam. We found three distinct areas in close proximity where entrepreneurs responded to increasing tourism in markedly different ways; by crowd-pleasing, niche-playing and gentrifying. The resulting microgeographies of touristification of consumption spaces have not only been overlooked in literature, but also in urban policies. This causes a mismatch between the more generic, city-wide regulation and the highly differentiated effects of tourism on consumption spaces.
English translation of the first chapter of "Negen plagen tegelijk : hoe overleven we de toekomst?" (vert.: Marije Fresacher)
Developing a research approach from Amsterdam Zuidoost. We are committed to using our presence in the area to contributea) continuing promoting interest in, and acquiring knowledge of, Zuidoost; b) respecting and embracing its versatility and c) eliminating barriers in its layout.In all three elements, we adopt the metaphor of a guided tour that provides a physical and mental map to share. We relate such a map to anexisting tradition of what we like to call ‘translators’ of the area, people suchas guide Jenny van Dalen, or architect Peter Dautzenberg. These are peoplewho recognised the beauty of places such as the Bijlmer before others, andwho taught many to appreciate (and conserve) them. In this sense, theirwork has contributed to a revalorisation of Bijlmer heritage and to a morewidespread awareness of its value.However, there are also concerns that this revalorisation could result inexcessively lucrative operations that may be detrimental to the currentresidents of Zuidoost. The renovation of the Amsterdamse Poort and thetransformation of the emblematic ‘Zandkasteel’ (Sand Castle) building intoluxury apartments has been met with mixed feelings, as these works couldaffect accessibility and increase prices throughout the area. More than ever,especially in relation to point ‘b’ above, concerted efforts need to be made toensure that investments will improve collective public spaces and will buildon an inclusive and diverse cultural and historical awareness.More specifically, The Bijlmer has now acquired legitimacy and cannot simplybe demolished. Its history is also linked to the many newcomers that broughtnew rhythms to the city of Amsterdam.We are convinced that Zuidoost’s sustainable plans and metropolitanambitions will only succeed if they also include, reflect upon and safeguard this versatility.In cooperation with Carla Hoffschulte
