Representations of a Destination City Break. Analysis Based on Free Associations

ABSTRACT

The article demonstrates the interest in using social representations as a tool of analysis in the representation of city breaks for two generational cohorts. The main objective of this study is to identify and to compare social representations of a city break for Generation X and for Baby Boomers. The article is based on a review of the generational segmentation and the social representation literature. The results indicate no difference between both generations for strong and numerous associations but a difference for architectural and historical aspects for Baby Boomers and experiential activities for Generation X. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed before the article concludes with limitations and directions for future research.

KEYWORDS:

• Tourist city break
• social representation
• generational segmentation
• free association
• Generation X
• Baby Boomers

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anne-Marie Lebrun

Anne-Marie Lebrun is Maître de Conférences, SPMS EA 4180, Université de Bourgogne, UFR STAPS, 2, Boulevard Gabriel, 21 000 Dijon, France. (E-mail: [email protected]).