Understanding the influence of interpersonal relationships on identity and tourism travel

Abstract

Travel plays a part in shaping the perception of self through experiences of other people and places. "Finding yourself" through travel has been widely discussed in the tourism literature; however, relatively little has been documented about how identity can influence an individual's travel choices. This paper investigates the role of interpersonal relationships in shaping identity and influencing tourism mobility. To gain insight into identity, there must be an understanding of the narratives used to create and affirm identities. A narrative interview method was used with 22 participants. The findings demonstrate how interpersonal relationships shape the self and identity which can have an impact on a tourist's travel behaviour. The analysis explores the role played by visiting friends and relatives and the impact on identity and travel. It also addresses how travel is used to enhance relationships through physical and emotional connectedness. This can lead to people undertaking travel they do not desire.

Sociological barriers to developing sustainable discretionary air travel behaviour

“…In his case, as a father, climate concern needed to be balanced against a range of other personal considerations, such as cost, time and comfort: Bjørn's words suggest that the primacy given to environmental values may vary through the lifecycle, as other demands, such as family, compete in consumption decisions. His identity as a father is thus in conflict with his environmental values, reflecting how interpersonal relationships and responsibilities can shape mobility decisions (Hibbert et al, 2013), with particular aspects of identity coming to the fore in different social contexts. Bjørn describes this as "schizophrenic", but a perspective of identities as multiple and performed (Bell, 2008), as discussed earlier, would view such behaviour as commonplace.…”

Travel Experiences and Aspirations: A Case Study from Chinese Youth<i> </i>

“…A patriotic attitude is reflected in the so called 'red tourism' product, officially sponsored tours to sites connected to the history of the Communist Party (Arlt, 2006). Williams (2006) argues that consumers develop a sense of belonging through consumption, but in this case belonging can be said to drive consumption, supporting Hibbert et al's finding that pre-existing identity will drive holiday choice (Hibbert, Dickinson, & Curtin, 2013). Bauman (2000) suggests that group identity offers confirmation of the self, with Branscombe and Wann (1994) arguing that the desire to see the self favorably is powerful.…”

“…Indeed, possibly related to limited overseas travel opportunities, there is the 'patriotic' choice of China as a 'dream destination'. Self-identity, localism and national identity might therefore influence the choice of holiday consumption in the Chinese context (Hibbert, Dickinson, & Curtin, 2013).…”

“…Williams (2006) argues that leisure consumers 'create their identities and develop a sense of belonging through consumption'. Recently, Hibbert, Dickinson, and Curtin (2013) argue that it is identity that influences holiday decision making, that identity is pre-existing, and that holidays are a means to demonstrate, confirm, or even avoid one's identity.…”

Understanding temporal rhythms and travel behaviour at destinations: potential ways to achieve more sustainable travel

“…For instance, a destination may represent the past by reflecting a more traditional way of life (Dickinson and Peeters, 2012) or enable a tourist to recapture some memory of past times based on repeat visitation (Baerenholdt et al, 2004). Memories of past times are a very potent temporal force within tourism as they shape the future traveller identity (Hibbert 2013) and inform the information search process (Solomon, Bamossy, Askegaard & Hogg, 2010) and subsequent behaviour. The experience of present time in tourism is therefore multiple and, in addition to past recollection, tourism involves anticipation of future activity.…”