From urban centers to global destinations
Discover how megacities are not just large urban hubs, but also vibrant and appealing global tourist destinations. We explore the factors that transform these dynamic centers into must-visit locations.
By Justin Delizo & Anish Sikka.
Megacities: Tourism Driven by Tech and Trade
Places like Dubai and Tokyo establish themselves as prominent tourist destinations through their heavily modernized technology and landmarks that contribute and help differentiate them through ‘sense of place’ and landmarks (it reflects the characteristics of the culture within them)
Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo is popular for representing Japan’s characterism as a bustling and bright city filled with business
Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is renowned for being the tallest building on the planet,
Urbanization: Enhancing Megacity Aesthetics
The majority of megacities are culturally diverse, which can appeal to tourists as places that are accepting and tolerant of tourists and migrants
In addition, megacities try reflecting their traditional culture and history which also serves as a pull factor for tourism because it establishes a unique sense of place for visitors and the cities’ origin as advanced places (Historic museums in London and the castles for example, and Moscow’s churches which also stand along modernized cities that reflect its history -- sequent occupancy)
Furthermore, cities are beginning to infuse their culture within post-modern architecture to help with their lack of uniqueness in their sense-of-place (which is a result of heavily-business focused societies that emphasize uniformity and efficiency).