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Touristic World-Making and Fan Pilgrimage in Popular Culture Destinations

Written by Maria Lexhagen,Vassilios Ziakas,Christine Lundberg

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209 pages, about 4 hours of reading

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About this book

This volume considers world-making as the intersection of the fan pilgrimage experience and the responses of destinations. It critically examines the emerging field of popular culture tourism and its close connection with fan studies and placemaking. The chapters illustrate how different destinations capitalise on expressive cultural practices to attract fan tourists, the processes involved in their tourismification, and the outcomes for both visitors and local communities. The book establishes a common ground for the comprehensive and critical study of popular culture tourism development and fandom. It integrates theory and practice and provides evidence-based recommendations for popular culture destinations. It is a useful resource for researchers in tourism management, fandom, pop culture and media studies, as well as for those working in the tourism industry.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Touristic World-Making and Fan Pilgrimage in Popular Culture Destinations, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • analytical
  • insightful
  • critical

This volume offers a comprehensive and critical examination of the burgeoning field of popular culture tourism, focusing on the intersection of fan pilgrimage and destination responses, framed through the concept of 'world-making.' It delves into how various destinations strategically leverage expressive cultural practices to attract fan tourists, analyzing the intricate processes of 'tourismification' and the subsequent outcomes for both visitors and local communities. The book aims to establish a common theoretical and practical ground for studying popular culture tourism development and fandom, integrating robust academic theory with evidence-based recommendations. It serves as a vital resource for researchers in tourism management, fan studies, media studies, and professionals within the tourism industry seeking to understand and navigate this dynamic niche.

"World-making emerges as the critical intersection where fan pilgrimage experiences meet the tangible responses and adaptations of popular culture destinations."

Key themes

World-Making and Placemaking
This theme explores how the imaginative realms of popular culture are brought into physical existence, transforming ordinary locations into sites of significance for fans. It examines the processes by which fictional narratives, characters, and events shape the perception and experience of real-world places, and how destinations actively engage in 'placemaking' to materialize these imagined worlds. This involves an interplay between fan desires, creative industries, and local tourism initiatives.
Fan Pilgrimage and Identity
This theme delves into the motivations and experiences of fans who travel to popular culture destinations, framing their journeys as a form of modern pilgrimage. It explores how these trips are not merely recreational but are often deeply personal, identity-forming experiences that allow fans to connect with their fandom, validate their identity as fans, and forge bonds with like-minded individuals. The 'pilgrimage' aspect emphasizes the ritualistic, meaningful, and often transformative nature of these journeys.
Authenticity vs. Commodification
This theme critically examines the inherent tension between the desire for 'authentic' fan experiences and the commercial imperatives of tourism. It questions what constitutes authenticity in a constructed popular culture destination and how the processes of 'tourismification' can lead to the commodification of cultural narratives, potentially eroding the very authenticity fans seek. The book explores how destinations attempt to manage this tension and the varying perceptions of authenticity among different fan groups.

Worth discussing

How does the concept of 'world-making' deepen our understanding of fan engagement with popular culture destinations compared to traditional tourism models?

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