6th International Symposium on Aspects of Tourism GAZING, GLANCING, GLIMPSING: TOURISTS AND TOURISM IN A VISUAL WORLD 13th-15th June 2007

CONTEXT | SPEAKERS | PAPERS

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UNPACKING THE IMAGES OF TOURISM

Professor Dean MacCannell, one of the world’s leading sociologists and a key figure in the study of tourism gave the opening address at this year’s annual conference at the Centre for Tourism Policy Studies. 

Over 150 academics and artists came together, at the University of Brighton’s Eastbourne Campus, to explore and exchange ideas on the visual nature of tourism.

Conference convener, Professor Peter Burns, commented ‘At the heart of this three day event is the idea that tourism is a visual experience.’ 

He went on to explain that images of people and places portrayed by the travel industry have impacts on destinations.  “If the place you live is promoted as a kind of Paradise, be it Eastbourne or Easter islands, then you are bound to think differently about it and this may affect how you live your life.” 

These images, as well as postcards, drawings, home movies and films inform people’s ideas and choices of travel destinations. Dr Susan Keitumetse from University of Botswana has used visual methods in her fieldwork, using drawings to gain insight into local people’s perception of tourism in Botswana.

“Tourism and travel assaults the visual senses and generates much excitement. Whilst sustainable tourism and the economics of tourism are constantly debated, the importance of imagery in tourism receives less attention."