Power of borders and spatiality of transnationalism: A study of Chinese-operated tourism businesses in Europe

Abstract

This paper examines the spatiality of transnationalism and meaning of borders as displayed in the tourism business sector operated by Chinese migrants in Europe. Drawing upon empirical research conducted from 1999 to 2002 and from 2006 to 2007, the paper will illustrate how Chinese migrants engaged in tourism-related businesses practise transnationalism and transculturality in their entrepreneurial activities. Instead of serving simply as a bridge between their two ‘home’ economies and promoting the flow of people, goods, cultures and lifestyles of these geographical realms, migrant entrepreneurs in the tourism sector are also active agents in poking the borders of the different geo-cultural spheres they are embedded in, producing modified cultures, ways of life and landscapes that are designed to suit the desire of their compatriot travellers. An examination of the spatiality of their business networks also suggests that transnationalism in diaspora studies should go beyond focusing only on ties between the ‘homeland’ and ‘receiving societies’ as it has been done in most previous studies. Furthermore, an analysis of the interactions among entrepreneurs from different places in this business community will also be provided to illustrate the power of borders in the Chinese diaspora.