Analysing the cinematic representation of tourists

Abstract

This thesis analysed the various ways in which stereotypes about tourists are represented in contemporary American films. Three different films were analysed as three case studies in order to cover a wide range of tourist typologies. The major findings indicated that categorisation of tourist types can be useful to some extent but the stereotypical classification of them also overgeneralises and oversimplifies people. Thus a postmodern approach needs to be adopted which acknowledges the diversity of touristic behaviour and motivations. Furthermore, it was found that the cinematic representation of tourists often complicates or contradicts academic theories, especially regarding the “post-tourist”, “romance tourism” or the “backpacker”. Therefore films need to be used more in critical discussions, as they not only reflect on society but they can also shape society (i.e. shape touristic trends).