Autonomous vehicles and the future of urban tourism

Abstract

Connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) have the potential to disrupt all industries tied to
\ntransport, including tourism. This conceptual paper breaks new ground by providing an indepth
\nimaginings approach to the potential future far-reaching implications of CAVs for
\nurban tourism. Set against key debates in urban studies and urban tourism, we discuss the
\nenchantments and apprehensions surrounding CAVs and how they may impact cities in terms
\nof tourism transport mode use, spatial changes, tourism employment and the night-time visitor
\neconomy, leading to new socio-economic opportunities and a range of threats and inequities.
\nWe provide a concluding agenda that sets the foundation for a new research sub-field on
\nCAVs and tourism, of relevance to urban planners, policymakers and the tourism industry.