The phenomena of gentrification and touristification are reshaping Medellín and allegedly causing significant social and economic impacts, particularly in neighborhoods like El Poblado, according to El Colombiano.
These modern transformations, similar to the historical erasure of El Chumbimbo over a century ago, are leading to the displacement of long-time residents and altering the community’s fabric. However, it should be noted that these claims are the newspaper’s opinion and not established facts.
Medellín is currently experiencing significant increases in rental prices, with some areas seeing up to a 50% rise, pushing traditional residents to relocate. Gentrification is defined as an urban transformation where influxes of wealthier residents cause living costs to surge, often displacing original inhabitants. Touristification similarly transforms neighborhoods, but focuses more on converting residential areas into tourist hubs, filled with hostels, souvenir shops, and restaurants.
As reported by El País of Spain, urban health and epidemiology researchers are investigating the effects of these changes on residents’ health. Psychologists and other experts are raising concerns alongside local residents, who play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage amidst these shifts.
Andrés Franco, a resident of El Poblado for 15 years, expresses sadness over the changes in his neighborhood. He notes the constant replacement of long-time neighbors with transient tourists, which disrupts the community’s sense of belonging and continuity. Franco highlights the mental health challenges posed by these changes, including issues with sleep due to constant parties, the prevalence of drug sales and sexual services, and increased insecurity from the frequent turnover of short-term renters.
Camilo Botero Suaza, a professor at the Universidad de Antioquia, explains that these transformations lead to a loss of identity and social fabric. The disappearance of local stores and community gathering spots reduces opportunities for social interaction, leading to isolation. Psychologist David Correa Riaza points to the rise in anxiety and depression among local residents due to the “wild consumption” associated with tourist behavior, such as drug use and transactional sex.
Botero Suaza advocates for promoting tourism that emphasizes Medellín’s cultural, scenic, and natural offerings rather than entertainment and illegal activities. He suggests that the local government should establish clear policies on the type of tourism they wish to promote and regulate accommodation spaces to ensure a healthy and safe coexistence for all citizens.