Urban Tourism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Urban Tourism - Essay Example The discussion shows that urban tourism does not always directly benefit the neighbourhood. The consequences of tourism growth, much to the opposite is dependent on the kind of tourism development that exists, the community’s intrinsic characteristics and resources, the extra-local circumstance in which they find themselves entrenched, as well as in the way tourism development is organised and operated (Hunning and Novy, 2006). Tourism activity as a matter of fact has stigmatized the neighbourhood in recent years, due to the increased interest of tourists (Sharma, 2004). Within a shortest range of time, Glasgow has evolved into an internationally recognized tourist’s destination. It has attracted people from different social and cultural backgrounds with its historical sites and its neighbourhood slums. Initially, Glasgow had limited and underwhelming number of visitors (Heeley, 2011). This is especially due to the fact that it has all the elements necessary to support successful tourism. It has risen from being a part city to a ‘must visit’ city (Gretzel, Christou and Sigala, 2012). The image of Glasgow can be compared to that of Harlem. Harlem’s improved image is associated with a greater appreciation and valorisation of the neighbourhood’s culture and history. Hunning and Novy suggest that: Harlem’s history as the â€Å"Black Mecca† of the United states as well as its cultural richness ranging from the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance to the community’s role as an epicenter of contemporary black culture, are not only sources of local pride and confidence, but are also increasingly recognized as marketable assets to build upon- by actors within and beyond the boundaries (2006, p. 6). A part from the revenue and publicity to the community, tourism has shaped Glasgow’s reputation and shaped awareness of the public and other influential actors within the town. Tourism is