Social contact and value co-creation practices. Tourist–resident encounters and urban cycling in Copenhagen

Abstract

Tourist–resident encounters shape the social dynamics of contemporary cities. This study presents a novel approach exploring how tourist–resident encounters influence both visitors' experiences and residents' lives by analysing social contact as co-creation practices. Qualitative data from Copenhagen's urban cycling practices identifies three main social contact practices: communal, collaborative and adversarial. The findings unfold multiple practice bundles that are identified in different tourist-resident encounters contexts. It illustrates how the materials, meanings and competences in urban cycling practices trigger tourist–resident social contact, shaping value co-creation practices. These dynamics affect both conviviality and the overall travel experience. The study discusses the proposed framework to examine social contact and co-creation practices and offers practical suggestions to promote sustainable tourist–resident relationships.