POWER OF BORDERS AND SPATIALITY OFTRANSNATIONALISM: A STUDY OFCHINESE-OPERATED TOURISM BUSINESSESIN EUROPE

摘要

This paper examines the spatiality of transnationalism and meanings of borders as displayed in thetourism business sector operated by Chinese migrants in Europe. Drawing upon empiricalresearch conducted from 1999 to 2002 and from 2006 to 2007, it will illustrate how Chinesemigrants practise transnationalism and transculturality in their entrepreneurial activities. Insteadof serving simply as a bridge between their two home economies, migrants engaged in the tourismsector are active and innovative agents in crossing and redrawing the borders of differentgeo-cultural spheres they are embedded in, producing modified tourism landscapes that suit thedesire of their compatriot travellers. An examination of the spatiality of their business networksalso suggests that transnationalism and diaspora studies should go beyond focusing only on tiesbetween the sending and receiving societies. Furthermore, an analysis of the interactions amongmembers of this business community from different places will exemplify the power of bordersin the Chinese diaspora.