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Travelling neo-tribes: Conceptualising recreational vehicle users

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 18:46 authored by Anne HardyAnne Hardy, Gretzel, U, Hanson, D
Neo-tribes have been defined as including people from different walks of life who come together in full or groups, bound by common interests, similar lifestyles, rituals and language. This concept is popular in sociological literature, but has rarely been applied to travellers or tourism literature. This study sought to understand whether neo-tribalism could add insights into our existing knowledge of recreational vehicle (RV) users in Canada. Using a grounded theory approach including focus groups and in-depth interviews, the research found RV users exhibit neo-tribal characteristics which can be characterised as symbolic and behavioural. The behavioural aspects of this neo-tribe are evident in campsites, where rituals such as happy hours exist. Symbolic aspects included fluidity of membership and commitment to the RVing lifestyle. The findings suggest that the neo-tribal concept is a highly useful tool for understanding the motivations, behaviour and needs of travellers and adds new insights into our understanding of the RVing experience.

History

Publication title

Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change

Volume

11

Issue

1-2

Pagination

48-60

ISSN

1476-6825

Department/School

TSBE

Publisher

Routledge

Place of publication

UK

Rights statement

Copyright 2013 Taylor & Francis

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Tourism services not elsewhere classified

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