Rotterdam and the question of new urban tourism

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to discuss tourism development, tourism policy development and its challenges in Rotterdam through the lens of “new urban tourism”, reviewing the relevance of the concept. Design/methodology/approach This paper comprises a review of the concept of new urban tourism and a case study of Rotterdam. Methods used include a literature review and social media search, an analysis of policy documents and street interviews. Findings Tourism in Rotterdam has grown rapidly, exhibiting aspects of new urban tourism such as encounters with the ordinary and everydayness, authenticity and de-differentiation. Details about tourism motives and nature of tourism are unknown. It is concluded that the concept of new urban tourism is a rather elusive and difficult notion to apply to the case of Rotterdam. Research limitations/implications This research is a case study of one city. Practical implications This paper suggests that different tourism information and statistics are needed for policymaking and for understanding urban tourism. Originality/value The Rotterdam case raises new questions about new urban tourism, as the concept appears to be rather indefinable.