Journeys of creation: experiencing the unknown, the Other and authenticity as an epiphany of the self

• Stephen L. Wearing ^[3] ; Matthew McDonald ^[1] ; Jo Ankor ^[2]
  1. [1] RMIT University Vietnam

     RMIT University Vietnam

     Vietnam

     
  2. [2] University of South Australia

     University of South Australia

     Australia

     
  3. [3] University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia

  Mostrar afiliaciones +
• Localización: Tourism recreation research, ISSN 0250-8281, Vol. 41, Nº. 2, 2016, págs. 157-167
• Idioma: inglés
• Enlaces
  • Texto completo
• Resumen

  • The purpose of this study is to offer an analysis of the tourist experience through a focus on ‘epiphany’, which is conceptualized as an interactional moment that creates change and transformation in self-identity. We suggest that an epiphany in tourism can be understood by analysing its links with the philosophical concepts of existential authenticity, the Other and the unknown. In the experience of the unknown, the traveller becomes more conscious of authentic modes of existence. This analysis explores the theoretical boundaries of the tourist experience by focusing on the construction of self-identity and subjectivity through the process of travel.