Contemporary Considerations
"Ferrante Fever" and the Quest for Authenticity: Fervent Readers Turn into Literary Tourists Looking for an "Authentic" Naples
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Arianna Avalle
The “Ferrante Fever,” the epidemiological term coined by the press to describe the contagious wave of enthusiasm for the Neapolitan Quartet by Elena Ferrante, has inspired many readers to travel to Naples, leading to the creation of fiction-induced tours and travel guides inspired by the novels. In my paper, I analyze the economic and cultural impact of the travel guide "Ferrante Fever: A Tour of Naples Inspired by Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels" by Danielle Oteri in the context of cultural tourism. The guide represents a full immersion for Ferrante’s fans in the world of the Neapolitan Novels, and it also serves as a promotion tool for the city of Naples and the Campania region. After reflecting on the fictionalization of Italy as a travel destination, and on the tourist’s increased desire for authenticity, Ferrante’s novels seem to exemplify the economic potential of cultural products derived from the use of their symbolic capital for tourism purposes (Lavarone). In fact, by portraying an alluring image of Naples that goes beyond its criminal and ecological problems, Ferrante has “positively positioned” the city in the mind of her readers, re-branding its touristic image and turning her fans into literary tourists. It appears, therefore, that transmedia products, like Oteri’s guidebook, can benefit not only the producer with economic gains, and the customer/reader with a memorable experience, but they can also stimulate tourism growth and create new business opportunities and cultural experiences for third parties such as single individuals, public entities and the private sector.
Between Attraction and Reluctance: The Introduction of Camping in Republican China
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Antonio Barrento
Camping largely developed in Republican China as an activity embraced by the Scout movement, particularly from 1926, as the political appropriation of the movement rendered it mainstream and more far-reaching. It also emerged from outside the Scouting context. The YMCA, for instance, operated an experimental camp in 1933, ten camps in 1934, and an international camp in August 1935. Against this background, camping gradually emerged as an attractive activity. It also met with resistance. In a 1931 article of The Life Weekly, a traveller explained that summer camps thrived among young Europeans and Americans, and noticed how they had not yet become common in China. He gave a reason for that: the lack of a feel for the outdoors associated with a culture of heat avoidance. Open air exposure was another factor. In 1933, a journalist of the China Traveler exhorting readers to camp in the countryside in summer needed to dispel fears associated with greater exposure to the elements, while a writer in another travel magazine who depicted the advantages of camping life to his readers had to explain that the sun was not to be feared. The traditional associations of travel with discomfort, and the emphasis on hygiene of this period may have been other important factors for a reluctance to camp. This paper analyses these tensions surrounding the introduction of camping in China, while seeking to understand them particularly in the light of Western and Chinese travel cultures, and as manifestations of broader realities and cultural clashes.
Legalized Marijuana and Marijuana Tourism in USA: Current Perceptions of Oregon Residents
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Soo Kang, Pavlina Mc Grady, Mark Siders, Dr. Curtis Bacon
As one of the segments in special interest tourism, marijuana tourism is growing at a fast pace, currently drawing thousands of people and millions of dollars to states, where the adult sale of marijuana is legal. In response to the recent development, this descriptive study examines resident perceptions, impacts, and support for marijuana tourism in the state of Oregon, USA. A quantitative survey was distributed to Oregon residents (n=729) living in seven different tourism regions of the state. Results indicate that residents perceived marijuana legalization and the related growing tourism positively. While possible negative impacts were acknowledged, the study respondents stated that they enjoy living in a state where marijuana is legal and perceive marijuana tourism to be beneficial at a personal and state level (e.g., an increase in tourism spending and employment opportunities). The majority of respondents said they would support marijuana legalization if it were on the ballot today, even though less than half identified themselves as recreational marijuana users. Since the marijuana sector will continue to be scrutinized by community stakeholders and policymakers, the findings of this study can be useful in developing appropriate strategies and policies and fostering sustainable tourism development of local communities.
