Touristification is a growing phenomenon in many cities around the world, where urban areas—especially those with rich cultural heritage—are transformed to attract tourists. This process often involves the commodification of urban culture and the displacement of local residents, who are pushed out by rising living costs and tourism-oriented development. Rather than benefiting local communities, touristification tends to turn cities into consumer products, where cultural authenticity is sold as an experience for visitors while local social dynamics are gradually eroded. Sharon Zukin, in her work Naked City, examines how cities—particularly New York—have been transformed by processes of gentrification and touristification.
Zukin argues that the search for authenticity in cities has been capitalized by the market, leading to the commodification of neighborhoods that were once spaces of community life. Tourists and new middle-class residents seek authenticity in these areas, which ironically results in the disappearance of the cultural elements that originally made them attractive. In her analysis, Zukin shows how touristification reinforces urban inequality by displacing local communities and replacing them with a homogenized landscape designed for tourist consumption. Saskia Sassen complements this analysis by exploring how global cities such as New York and London have become centers for international capital, where investment in tourism infrastructure plays a crucial role.
Sassen highlights that in these cities, local residents—particularly those with lower incomes—are forced out of their neighborhoods as housing costs rise and areas are redeveloped to accommodate the needs of global tourism. This process not only transforms the urban fabric but also reinforces dynamics of social exclusion, where the benefits of urban development are not distributed equitably. One of the main effects of touristification is the commodification of urban culture. Zukin explains that cultural elements that were once part of the everyday life of local communities—such as food, traditions, and architecture—become consumer products for tourists.
This process strips neighborhoods of their authenticity, creating an artificial environment designed to meet tourists’ expectations rather than the needs of residents. The result is a city that may appear vibrant and culturally rich to visitors but has lost much of its diversity and original character. In addition to the displacement of local residents, touristification also has economic implications. Investments in tourism infrastructure, such as hotels and restaurants, often benefit large corporations and international investors, while small local businesses struggle to survive in an increasingly competitive market.
Both Sassen and Zukin argue that this dynamic exacerbates economic inequalities in cities, as the profits generated by tourism are not distributed fairly among local inhabitants. In conclusion, touristification and the commodification of the city are phenomena that deeply transform urban space, favoring tourists and economic elites while marginalizing local residents. The works of Sharon Zukin and Saskia Sassen reveal that although tourism can generate revenue for cities, it also carries a significant social cost by stripping communities of their culture and homes. To address these challenges, it is necessary to develop urban policies that prioritize the needs of local residents and promote more equitable and inclusive development.
