The Social Anthropology of the Tourist Experience. Exploring the “Middle Role”

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of approaches to tourist experiences in social anthropology. In anthropology the focus tends to be on the host groups that struggle to come to terms with the tourists in their midst, but in recent years more attention has been paid to the tourists themselves. Tourist experiences have become a topic in anthropological research on tourism for several reasons. Providing experiences is a central concern in the development of tourism. The openness of the tourist role puts a focus on the social and communicative relations that tourists enter into while on tour and that will shape their stories about experiences. This is also where anthropology can present a contribution to the interdisciplinary study of tourism. In this paper the participatory and social nature of tourist experiences is outlined. Exploring the tourist as a “middle role” focuses on the creative and experience‐seeking activities of tourists. Such activities range from participation in events to quests for authenticity and cultural difference. Instead of viewing tourists as relatively passive, a more interactive model of the tourist can be promoted. This model pays attention to the varied experiences of tourists, ranging from individual perceptions to interactive events and memories. Furthermore, it leaves the tourist a role to play in contact with operators and host populations. This composite and interactive image of the tourist can stimulate research into a more culturally and environmentally responsible tourism.