Reflections of battlefield tourist experiences associated with Vietnam War sites: an analysis of travel blogs. Issue 3 (4th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Upton, Ann; Schänzel, Heike; Lück, Michael
• Is Part Of: Journal of heritage tourism. Volume 13:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 197
• Page End: 210
• Publication Date: 2018-05-04
• Subjects: Dark tourism -- battlefield tourism -- Vietnam War -- tourist experience -- mortality mediation -- life affirmation -- meaning of life -- interpretation; Heritage tourism -- Periodicals; Heritage tourism -- Sociological aspects -- Periodicals; 306.4819
• DOI: 10.1080/1743873X.2017.1282491
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-873X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The aim of this paper is to analyse online travel blogs in order to gain an understanding of the reflections held by battlefield tourists in Vietnam. A qualitative approach utilising thematic analysis was conducted on 20 travel blogs. The findings suggest that tourists can have a deeply reflective experience at sites of past warfare, which includes cognitive dissonance to the war narrative. Tourist experiences in Vietnam presented a connection to the dead (mortality mediation) and a connection to the living (local people). These outcomes led to the overall understanding of battlefield experiences in Vietnam: The meaning of life and humanity through connecting with people, and the passing of time through the writing of history.