A Dynamic Framework of Tourist Experiences: Space‐Time and Performances in the Experience Economy

Abstract

This article outlines a conceptual model that allows a discussion regarding tourist experiences. Through the notion and deconstruction of the concept “experience design” it is argued that in order to be able to analyze tourism and develop new innovative strategic approaches to tourism management, dynamic notions of space, time and performance have to be especially attended to. This is done through a discussion of “experience” and “design” as both nouns and verbs. This makes it possible to work with four definitions of “experience design”, all situated on a continuum from a static starting point to a dynamic endpoint. It is argued that most research findings are placed in the more static half of this continuum, even if there are tendencies toward more dynamic approaches. These efforts are however usually based on a spatial ontology that is situated in the static half of the continuum. This paper aims to enhance these tendencies by focusing on the more dynamic half of the continuum. Notions of space‐time as relational processes that should be understood as a hermeneutic circle and a view on the tourist as an active performer and producer of space are stressed. This conceptual model is crystallized and exemplified through the case of tourist photography, showing that the ontology chosen has a direct result on the concrete conduct of method and area of research interest.

Keywords:

• Tourism
• experience
• space‐time
• performance
• photography

Acknowledgments

The work on this paper has been financed by Wonderful Copenhagen (WoCo) within the joint tourism project “Experience Design in City Tourism”, with partners in 13 Nordic and Baltic cities, financed by Nordic Innovation Centre in Oslo. This article is a revised version of the introductory chapter of the final rapport. WoCo is not responsible for any of the arguments presented in this article. Our thanks are due to audiences in conferences, seminars and discussion groups during 2007 and 2008, especially Erika Andersson‐Cederholm, Jörgen Ole Bærenholdt, Szilvia Gyimothy, Johan Hultman, Tom O'Dell and Can‐Seng Ooi.