Conceptualizing the selves of tourism

A profusion of touristic experiences of the last 20 years has generated a variety of means of theorizing, analysing and marketing tourism. This paper has sought to recentre the analysis on the ideas of a conceptualization of the self through the tourism experience. Predominant current conceptualizations of tourism as commiditized escapes have been re-examined and recontextualized in the light of feminised post structural viewpoints to bring a richer understanding of tourist experience(s). The potential for changes in self and identity through cross-cultural interactions is discussed. The approach taken is person centred, rather than those focussed on economics, marketing or management. Nevertheless we demonstrate the usefulness of such a people orientated perspective for all aspects of the tourism industry. At the same time the threads of an interactive, person centred approach are being woven together to emphasise the importance of interactions – personal, communal and cultural in the tourist enterprise and to position the selves and identities of tourists and hosts at the ethical centre.