Journal of Hospitality Application and Research

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The Role of the Tourist Milieu in the Social Construction of the Tourist Experience


Affiliations
1 Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Geographical Research Institute H-1112 Budapest, Budaorsi ut 45., Hungary
2 Kodolanyi Janos University College, Department of Tourism H-8000 Szekesfehervar, Iranyi D. u. 4., Hungary
     

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The tourist milieu is defined as the objective projection of the subjectively experienced tourist space. Consequently, the tourist milieu of a destination is based on an informative consensus that reflects the visitors' emotions and impressions. Due to its kaleidoscopic complexity and its dependence on human factors, the tourist milieu should be understood as a dynamic concept, thus, its assessment involves the simultaneous analysis of both subjective perceptions and objective facts.

The paper summarises the key factors contributing to the development of a destination's successfully marketable tourist milieu. The study analyses the objectification process of subjective visitor perceptions through which the perceived image becomes a component of social awareness. The hierarchical relationships of milieu, image, sense of place and local identity are also assessed, with particular emphasis on the role of the tourist milieu in the social construction of the tourist experience.


Keywords

Tourist Milieu, Destination, Image, Experience
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  • The Role of the Tourist Milieu in the Social Construction of the Tourist Experience

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Authors

Gabor Michalko
Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Geographical Research Institute H-1112 Budapest, Budaorsi ut 45., Hungary
Tamara Ratz
Kodolanyi Janos University College, Department of Tourism H-8000 Szekesfehervar, Iranyi D. u. 4., Hungary

Abstract


The tourist milieu is defined as the objective projection of the subjectively experienced tourist space. Consequently, the tourist milieu of a destination is based on an informative consensus that reflects the visitors' emotions and impressions. Due to its kaleidoscopic complexity and its dependence on human factors, the tourist milieu should be understood as a dynamic concept, thus, its assessment involves the simultaneous analysis of both subjective perceptions and objective facts.

The paper summarises the key factors contributing to the development of a destination's successfully marketable tourist milieu. The study analyses the objectification process of subjective visitor perceptions through which the perceived image becomes a component of social awareness. The hierarchical relationships of milieu, image, sense of place and local identity are also assessed, with particular emphasis on the role of the tourist milieu in the social construction of the tourist experience.


Keywords


Tourist Milieu, Destination, Image, Experience

References