When tourists give their reasons on the web: The argumentative significance of tourism related UGC

Abstract

This paper proposes an innovative approach to the study of UGC based onthe theory of argumentation, an ancient discipline which, since the halfof last century, is receiving an increasing attention from a wide numberof subject areas. A pilot study is presented where an argumentativeanalysis of UGC related to a specific destination - Lugano - has beenconducted, with the aim of finding out the reasons why a tourismexperience becomes worth to be communicated. In particular, theargumentative analysis allowed to highlight the touristic value of thedestination, which decisively influences its reputation and can beexploited, therefore, for its better promotion on the market.