It all started when the notion of development piqued my curiosity as an architect and urban planner. I was quite excited as I wanted to look for an interesting learning experience through which I develop my critical perception of contemporary conditions of cities and human settlements. The concept of urban development can be seen as an alternative to the concept of smart city. As someone coming from a so-called ‘developing’ country where processes of urban transitions are taking place, this may be pertinent. However, tourism is a paramount phenomenon in urban planning, particularly in cities that undergo mass tourism. Amsterdam is one city where tourists are seen responsible for it’s socio-cultural urban transformation. As having no background in tourism, apart from being a tourist myself, this seminar has refined my consideration of how things appear to the other party.

Though ‘Tourism kills neighbourhoods’ was not my first choice, I have to admit that it has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. The first clear observation that has to be high lightened is that working with a group of eight students from different cultures and educational backgrounds provided an opportunity to gain a new and even creative perspectives on the topic of tourism. Through effective engagement and calling out answers and opinions, we were able to draw on the forces impacting the future of tourism and their rigorous influence on the spatial structure of urban Amsterdam. On a personal level I have learned that everyone comes to the table with different objectives and priorities. I was so lucky to be a member of this seminar group and I think I will cherish this experience for a lifetime.