Visiting the “enemy”: visitation in politically unstable destinations
Journal
Tourism Review
Date Issued
June 12, 2019
DOI
10.1108/tr-11-2018-0159
Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to examine the factors shaping the intentions of people to visit a hostile outgroup.
Design/methodology/approach – An exploratory, qualitative research approach was followed.
Specifically, 77 semi-structured interviews with citizens of the divided island of Cyprus were conducted.
Findings – This study identifies several categories of visitors and non-visitors, depicted along a
continuum, and concludes that there is a multiplicity of factors in the socio-political environment which
influence the travel intentions of people.
Originality/value – This study not only imparts insights into the way travel decision-making evolves in
politically unstable situations but also serves as a stepping stone towards understanding the conditions
under which reconciliation between hostile nations may be encouraged by travel.
Design/methodology/approach – An exploratory, qualitative research approach was followed.
Specifically, 77 semi-structured interviews with citizens of the divided island of Cyprus were conducted.
Findings – This study identifies several categories of visitors and non-visitors, depicted along a
continuum, and concludes that there is a multiplicity of factors in the socio-political environment which
influence the travel intentions of people.
Originality/value – This study not only imparts insights into the way travel decision-making evolves in
politically unstable situations but also serves as a stepping stone towards understanding the conditions
under which reconciliation between hostile nations may be encouraged by travel.