Editorial: Tourism and Social Regeneration

Abstract

Research on social regeneration is a very specific area that needs more attention in the tourism and social sciences literature. Whilst much research has focused attention on tourism developments and regeneration efforts, this work is more concerning with the physical transformation of spaces (such as upgrading facilities and infrastructures) or expanding investments in tourism and visitor attractions. Planners and policy makers are concerned with maintaining a competitive advantage, resulting in policies and investments aimed at developing spaces in transition for the purpose of economic gain and/or image revival. To go beyond the focus on economic impacts of tourism-led regeneration, the purpose of this special issue is to address the importance of, and the need to, critically assess issues, problems and solutions surrounding social regeneration resulting from tourism change, developments or initiatives. More research considering how members of a community and event attendees engage with spaces and places transformed for tourism is needed. Paying closer attention to intangible impacts to extend recent debates surrounding tourism initiatives, involvement and futures is needed, emphasizing improved welfare and empowering local communities and its residents. The papers included in this special issue all put emphasis on the community and/or local residents and how they are impacted by tourism investments or initiatives.Much research has focused attention on tourism developments and regeneration efforts. Regeneration is often regarded as the process of renewal or redevelopment of existing facilities and infrastructures, and thus, expansions for, or new investments in, tourism and visitor attractions align with contemporary regeneration strategies and initiatives linked to transitioning economic bases. Planners and policy makers are concerned with maintaining a competitive advantage, resulting in policies and investments aimed at developing spaces in transition for the purpose of economic gain and/or image revival. To go beyond the focus on economic impacts of tourism-led regeneration, the purpose of this special issue is to address the importance of, and the need for, critically assessing issues, problems, and solutions surrounding social regeneration resulting from tourism change, developments, or initiatives.More research considering how members of a community, visitors, and event attendees engage with spaces and places transformed for tourism is needed, as this extends our understanding of tourism and social regeneration. Paying closer attention to intangible impacts to extend recent debates surrounding tourism initiatives, involvement, and futures is needed, emphasizing improved welfare and empowering local communities and their residents. Evaluating differing trends associated with social regeneration, including discussions and critiques of existing policies, or the lack of insight and initiatives among planners, policy makers, and members of the community concerning tourism, is an attempt to debate new directi...

Application of social impact assessment during project operation and closure

“…Our approach to interpreting the social impacts of the A2O was informed by Taylor et al (2021), as well as by Sairinen et al's (2021) framing of social impact research to identify key impacts, in their case in mining. Research preparation involved the design of a flexible strategy to guide the research process, including a stakeholder engagement plan, and exploration of appropriate concepts and useful theoretical frameworks, such as rural multifunctionalism (Holmes, 2008;Mackay et al, 2014) and tourism-led regional regeneration theory (Mackay et al, 2018;Wise, 2016Wise, , 2018. Background research identified the impact area of the project, and we developed an appreciation of the historical, environmental and social context of the A2O, as well as the relevant local, regional and national policy settings, such as the District Plan, the Long-Term Community Plan, the District Tourism Strategy, and the regional development setting.…”

Handbook of Social Impact Assessment and Management

“…Our approach to interpreting the social impacts of the A2O was informed by , as well as by Sairinen et al's (2021) framing of social impact research to identify key impacts, in their case in mining. Research preparation involved the design of a flexible strategy to guide the research process, including a stakeholder engagement plan, and exploration of appropriate concepts and useful theoretical frameworks, such as rural multifunctionalism (Holmes, 2008;Mackay et al, 2014) and tourism-led regional regeneration theory (Mackay et al, 2018;Wise, 2016Wise, , 2018. Background research identified the impact area of the project, and we developed an appreciation of the historical, environmental and social context of the A2O, as well as the relevant local, regional and national policy settings, such as the District Plan, the Long-Term Community Plan, the District Tourism Strategy, and the regional development setting.…”

Overtourism and Medium Scale Sporting Events Organisations—the Perception of Negative Externalities by Host Residents

“…Sporting events could also produce excessive spending, increased taxes and higher costs of living for residents [25,78,79]. Even if social and cultural impacts are more difficult to measure and manage [53,80,81] cultural conflicts between residents and tourists are seen. Moreover, security risks, hooliganism or traffic problems seem to be among the most relevant negative impacts for residents [19,25,46,49,51,79].…”