TeMA: Journal of Land Use, Mobility and Environment (Jun 2020)
Tourism on demand. New form of urban and social demand of use after the pandemic event
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic is expected to lead to a critical reconsideration of the global volume growth model for tourism, for reasons related to the risks posed by global travel and the contribution of the tourism industry to global pollution, climate change and, more in general, the socio-cultural instability of certain geographical areas of the world. Nevertheless, it is possible to propose a different point of view by trying to accept this historical moment as an occasion to ponder over the need for a change in the unsustainability of the present lifestyles. Tourism in this can be a driver function to support this transition by giving to tourism flows a higher sense. Tourist destinations will have to change but how and how many tourist cities will be able to re-calibrate their supply system of services and facilities to host the "new tourists"? Could the on-demand model be a new way for tourists to enjoy their experience? The paper, trying to give answers to these questions, proposes some reflections about the inevitable change imposed by the pandemic, aiming at outlining the possible scenarios that will characterize the tourism-city relationship in the next future and paying attention to the social aspects.
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