Post‐colonial Pakistani Mobilities: the Embodiment of the ‘Myth of Return’ in Tourism

Abstract

This paper examines post‐migration mobilities of a Pakistani diaspora (Luton, UK) by identifying the embodiment of the ‘myth of return’ in tourism participation to the homeland, Pakistan. The interpretive ethnographic accounts re‐consider the ‘myth of return’ concerning the emigration and immigration nexus. The continuation of traditions such as duties and obligations transmitted through the myth in tourism are analysed. The paper argues that the ‘myth’ is imperative to understanding the meanings the Pakistani community attaches to tourism motivations. The conclusion argues that the ties between post‐colonial diasporas and the homelands can be explained through post‐migration tourism mobilities.

Keywords:

• Diaspora
• interpretive ethnography
• ‘myth of return’
• Pakistani
• post‐colonial

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr Marcus Stephenson for comments on earlier drafts of this paper and Professor Keith Hollinshead for ongoing theoretical insights relating to its development. Many thanks to those members of the Pakistani community in Luton for sharing their myths, memories and motivations throughout the research.