Emergence of the self in danger zone tourism: A symbolic interactionist perspective

Abstract

This qualitative research delves into the transformative potential of danger zone tourism. By examining how such experiences contribute to tourists’ self-identity, this study illuminates the meanings assigned by individuals who engage in tourism to perilous locations. It challenges the prevailing notion that these vacations solely reinforce individualism, power, and class distinctions. Through an analysis of photo-voice interviews, three key themes emerge that represent self-identity (re)development: self-efficacy, self-development, and global consciousness. These findings underscore the complex dynamics of danger zone tourism, highlighting its diverse impacts on self-identity. The results carry methodological and practical implications, paving the way for future research in this evolving field.