At home away or arrived in Spain: translocalism and neighbourhood social circles among long-term visitors in Costa Blanca leisurescapes

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to outline and interpret social circles and networks of long-term visitors to Costa Blanca (Spain) and to analyse how the long-termers relate to Spanish nationals and compatriots in their (temporary) residence areas. Design/methodology/approach En route airport questionnaire survey to departing passengers. Findings The study indicates a presence of translocalism among many of the polyglot long-termers not tied to their native soil and having manifold links across national borders. Most of them socialise within compatriot leisurescape settings. Language skills are determinant. Many long-termers are “dual citizens”, feeling at home both here and there. Research limitations/implications Airport surveys can reach a broad range of people but must be kept simple because of time constraints. The different labels used by researchers to describe international mobility might not be comprehensive. Practical implications The paper is of interest to local authorities, planners, property developers and tourism destination service providers. Social implications The study confirms that some persons may be physically “in” a foreign culture while socially “outside” of that culture, or in society but not of it. Originality/value The research uniquely encompasses all types of long-termers in various locations, based on an airport survey. It offers new insights into patterns of social circles and language proficiencies of diverse international long-term arrivals in Mediterranean Spain.