The resurgence of the tourism industry during the waning of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a number of issues impacting cities around the world to the forefront of public discussion. In particular, the effects of this sector on housing affordability have been highlighted by a number of ongoing protest movements unfolding throughout Europe that critique how mass tourism exacerbates an already perilous situation and “impoverishes workers and enriches only a few.”
This is not a spontaneous phenomenon. It is instead shaped by the actions of politicians, planners, and other civic leaders who prioritize stadiums and entertainment districts for tourists over basic services and who fail to crack down on short-term rentals that flout local laws, for example. Peter Eisinger describes how this tendency to plan primarily for the “visitor class” not only has negative economic effects on cities’ most vulnerable populations, but also “strain[s] the bonds of trust and accountability between citizens and their leaders.”
We are seeking short submissions (roughly 1,000 words) for our online magazine, Progressive City: Radical Alternatives, that explore both the issues that arise from planning for the “visitor class”—economic, social, environmental, and beyond—as well as potential pathways to building cities that are not only culturally rich but also responsive to the needs of those who inhabit them.
Submissions should be written in an accessible, jargon-free manner. A few suggested readings may be mentioned in the text (hyperlinks to references are encouraged), but please do not submit footnotes. We encourage the submission of a photograph or illustration (with appropriate permissions). Please note that while we work with authors to help them fit the Progressive City style, format, and themes, we cannot accept all articles that have been submitted.
Deadline to submit: October 11, 2024. Submissions or are accepted via email at [email protected]