Isn't change the only constant in life? Exploring tourist perceptions, values and motivations in Last Chance Tourism
Authors
Walter, Nina ; Börjes, Laura ; Graefe, Lena
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2019
Abstract
Last Chance Tourism (LCT) betegner rejser, der motiveres af en tro på, at et rejsemål eller dets særtræk snart vil ændre sig eller forsvinde, hvilket skaber et paradoks, hvor besøget kan forstærke de samme pres, der truer stedet. For at udfylde huller i tidligere forskning undersøger dette speciale turisters opfattelser, værdier og motivationer i LCT i et bredere, globalt perspektiv og ser på, hvordan online mediers framing former disse opfattelser. Med et mixed methods-design kombineres en kvalitativ indholdsanalyse af online medier om LCT med et kvantitativt online spørgeskema til potentielle LCT-turister. Resultaterne peger på, at deltagelse primært drives af søgen efter autenticitet, nostalgi og frygt for forandring samt ønsket om at komme før steder bliver for turistede. Respondenterne ønsker at opfylde personlige værdier og ser ofte rejse som en individuel ret, også når disse værdier står i spænd med andre hensyn. Mange fastholder statiske, tidsfrosne billeder af destinationer og opfatter forandring som negativ. Studiet udfordrer den gængse forståelse af LCT og anbefaler at omramme begrebet, så socio-kulturelle dimensioner indgår, og destinationer forstås som dynamiske systemer, samtidig med at online mediers indflydelse og de etiske spændinger i LCT anerkendes.
Last Chance Tourism (LCT) refers to travel motivated by the belief that a destination or its features will soon change or disappear, creating a paradox in which visiting can intensify the very pressures that threaten it. Addressing gaps in prior research, this thesis examines tourists’ perceptions, values, and motivations in LCT across a broader global context and considers how online media framing shapes these perceptions. Using a mixed-methods design, it combines a qualitative content analysis of online media about LCT with a quantitative online questionnaire of potential LCT tourists. Findings indicate that participation is chiefly driven by a quest for authenticity, nostalgia, and fear of change, alongside a desire to arrive before places become too touristy. Respondents seek to fulfill personal values and often view travel as an individual right, even when such values conflict with other concerns. Many hold static, time-frozen images of destinations and regard change as negative. The study challenges prevailing notions of LCT and recommends reframing it to include socio-cultural dimensions and to recognize destinations as dynamic systems, while acknowledging the influential role of online media and the ethical tensions inherent in LCT.
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