The Sensuous in the Tourist Encounter

Abstract

In this introduction to the theme issue on Sensuous Tourism, we further Tourist Studies’ understanding of the relationships between tourism, the body,subjectivity and space. The article reviews the ways in which the body in tourism hasbeen theorized, including metaphorical mobilizations of performance, the encounterand dwelling. The article then examines three main themes which further develop ourunderstandings of sensuality in tourism. Firstly we examine the politics of the body,space and identity by suggesting a vocabulary based in the ability of individuals toboth reproduce and innovate particular practices, representations and relations.Secondly we explore the ways in which tourists are immersed in technological fieldswhich mediate and shape the nature of interactions with people and places. Thirdlywe look at the possibility of renewing the relationship between an understanding oftourism which is informed by sensuality but which is also able to deal withcontemporary socio-economic and cultural transformations.