Siegel, Lauren A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2117-8492, Tussyadiah, Iis and Scarles, Caroline (2025) Commodification of photogenic sites and rise of ‘selfie parks’ as tourist enclaves. Tourism Geographies. ISSN 1461-6688 (Print), 1470-1340 (Online) (doi:10.1080/14616688.2025.2532582)

Preview

PDF (Open Access Article) 50879 SIEGEL_Commodification_Of_Photogenic_Sites_And_Rise_Of_Selfie_Parks_As_Tourist_Enclaves_(OA)_2025.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (11MB) | Preview

Abstract

The spatial practices of tourists have been reshaped by the rise of smartphones and social media, prompting new geographies of tourism that respond to the visual imperatives of the digital era. This paper explores the emergence of ‘selfie parks’ as purpose-built, enclavic spaces designed to accommodate social media-induced tourists. Positioned at the intersection of visual culture and spatial production, selfie parks represent a novel form of place-making driven by the aesthetics and performativity of Instagrammability. Drawing on empirical fieldwork in Bali, this study examines how these photographic enclaves reconfigure tourism space by concentrating visual consumption into managed, commodified zones. Contrary to earlier critiques of tourist enclaves, which highlight issues such as socio-spatial segregation and high economic leakages, this research demonstrates how selfie parks can enable local communities to effectively manage the economic opportunity that social media-induced visitors may offer, as well as providing a safe and convenient atmosphere. Furthermore, it considers how spatial interventions such as controlled entry schemes can help mitigate the pressures of overtourism in destinations experiencing high demand from social media-induced tourists. This study is the first to consider selfie parks as tourism enclaves, while contributing to literature on visual production and management of tourists.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	selfie parks, Instagrammability, social media-induced tourism, travel photography, tourist enclaves, decent work and economic growth
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HF Commerce
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Greenwich Business School Greenwich Business School > School of Management and Marketing Greenwich Business School > Tourism and Marketing Research Centre (TMRC)
Last Modified:	29 Jul 2025 10:17
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/50879

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads