ORGANIC COMMUNITY TOURISM: A COCREATED APPROACH

This research explores the community role in the regeneration of social places for local tourism promotion in Scotland. We focus on the regeneration of railway stations by drawing on a recent example of community engagement called ‘Adopt a Station’. We use ethnographic research and highlight six key themes: roots, commitment, gateway, heritage, aesthetics and benefits. Many studies on tourism planning reach pessimistic conclusions with regards to the opportunities and capabilities of local residents to make valid and worthwhile contributions to the tourism process. In contrast we highlight the potential for co-creation when communities are offered opportunities for involvement in a place meaning creation process.

► We explore the local community role in regenerating social places.
► We introduce six themes which relate to community activities and benefits.
► Cocreation allows locals to recapture and represent the essence of the community.
► A sense of ownership and empowerment facilitates a place meaning creation process.
► There is evidence that benefits from involvement can ripple out into other areas.