"Affiliative nomads" in the age of mobilities

The field of tourism studies has long grappled with the impacts of mass tourism on local communities, often highlighting issues such as overtourism and gentrification. In recent years, the rise of digital nomadism has introduced a new dynamic, as these individuals tend to stay longer in local areas, potentially reducing some negative impacts. However, digital nomads often remain insulated within their enclaves, lacking meaningful engagement with local residents. In contrast, a distinct group known as "affiliative nomads" has emerged, characterized by their frequent and meaningful interactions with local communities. These individuals, who may include second homeowners, annual repeat visitors, or remote workers, often maintain long-standing relationships with the areas they visit. Affiliative nomads can contribute positively to local productivity and innovation, and in regions with aging or declining populations, they may even assume key community roles. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored their importance, as their established local connections have proven vital during crises. Despite their potential benefits, the role of affiliative nomads within global tourism mobilities and sustainable local tourism systems remains underexplored, necessitating further investigation into how they can be effectively attracted and retained.

This research topic aims to explore the multifaceted role of affiliative nomads within the context of global tourism mobilities and sustainable local tourism systems. The primary objectives include understanding the dynamics of affiliative nomads' interactions with local communities, identifying the factors that facilitate their engagement, and examining their potential contributions to local development. Key questions to be addressed include: How do affiliative nomads form attachments to places? What are the mechanisms through which they engage with local communities? How can regions attract and retain affiliative nomads to address specific challenges such as labor shortages or crises? By addressing these questions, the research seeks to provide insights into the sustainable integration of affiliative nomads into local tourism frameworks.

To gather further insights into the role of affiliative nomads within sustainable tourism systems, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Affiliative nomads and place attachment
• Affiliative nomads and community engagement
• Identifying affiliative nomads
• Affiliative nomads and sustainable development
• Affiliative nomads and local governance
• Affiliative nomads, identity, and the local community
• Affiliative nomad mobilities
• Attracting affiliative nomads to address labor shortages
• Attracting affiliative nomads in response to crises
• Retaining affiliative nomads in regions with limited labor sources
• The ethics of affiliative nomad travel
• Affiliative tourism and gentrification
• Affiliative nomads and inequalities