Spatial, temporal and social dimensions of a ‘destination-in-motion’

Hamilton, Kathleen and Alexander, Matthew (2017) Spatial, temporal and social dimensions of a ‘destination-in-motion’. European Journal of Marketing, 51 (11/12). pp. 2101-2117. ISSN 0309-0566 (https://doi.org/10.1108/EJM-04-2016-0221)

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Abstract

• Purpose The purpose of our paper is to raise awareness of the mobilities paradigm by exploring the role of tourist mobilities in destination marketing. • Design/methodology/approach We use the context of the Jacobite steam train which runs in the Scottish Highlands. We draw on multiple qualitative methods including participant observation, interviews and netnography. • Findings We explore the spatial, temporal and social mobilities associated with the journey and the destination and reveal how a rail journey becomes a ‘destination-in-motion’ and, in turn, transforms what might otherwise be a neglected destination. • Practical implications We demonstrate how modes of transport which offer rich embodied experiences to visitors can present an important differentiation strategy and become core to a destination’s product and service portfolio. • Originality/value By approaching destination marketing from a mobilities perspective, our paper recognises the significance of human and object mobility to tourist experiences and offers a new perspective to existing research which biases a geographically-bounded understanding of destinations.

ORCID iDs

Hamilton, Kathleen ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5342-6166 and Alexander, Matthew ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3770-8056;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)