ABSTRACT
This second introductory chapter highlights how the process of globalisation affects cities, tourism in general and world tourism cities in particular. Three initial dimensions of globalisation are identified and ways to measure them are examined (economic, political and social). Later, three other factors in the political, economic, social, technological, environmental, legal (PESTEL) model are added and discussed (technological, environmental and legal/regulatory), and the impacts on city residents and visitors are considered as well.
The glocalisation concept is discussed as how cities and tourism companies have adapted global concepts and ideas to better fit local circumstances. The merging of globalisation and localisation in tourism is illustrated through several good examples.
The connection of globalisation and world tourism cities is reviewed with respect to the gateway, influential, impactful, cosmopolitan and recognised features. This is followed by a detailed discussion of six dimensions of globalisation, and the effects on city residents and visitors.
The chapter closes by deriving a summary from previous materials of the advantages and disadvantages of globalisation for tourism and world tourism cities across eight dimensions and perspectives political, economic, social, technological, environmental, legal – resident, visitor (PESTEL-RV).
