This paper presents a collaborative tourism research method for the development of place-based digital visitor experiences. Our method is based on a geomedia perspective, which combines theories and practices from human geography as well as media and communication studies. By using geomedia, we highlight the intersection between geo (place) and media and include interaction between people and place in the production of media and digitalization, i.e. a collaboration. The collaborative method is used as a research tool to let various groups of actors make sense of local places and their history in relation to destination development and innovation of location-based applications. In the collaboration process, we are involving entrepreneurs, stakeholders, potential users, the local community as well as designers, with the purpose of enhancing visitors’ experiences using digital media.

In this session, we demonstrate and discuss how collaborative methods can be conducted by examples from our on-going research project regarding place-based digital visitor experiences. As researchers, we can contribute to tourism research through the development of new collaborative methods and perspectives, but also with new insights and a process of learning for participating actors.

The reasons for focusing on digitalization are many. Digitalization creates both new opportunities and challenges for tourism. There is a need for explorative and collaborative methods that creates insights in how to use digital media to enhance experiences before, during and after a visit. By combining in-depth studies of local places and their history and culture, with digital representation, we can create new perspectives of places. This type of knowledge has proven essential in the development processes we are studying.

In these changing times for tourism, environmental awareness and over-tourism is also on the agenda. Could collaborative methods be not just a research tool but also a tool for the tourism and hospitality sector to develop, in an innovative, yet socially sustainable way? To encourage more domestic tourism, local destinations and tourism businesses will need to increase their competitiveness and attractiveness. By including local residents as well as tourism businesses in a collective process, can we strengthen their local identity rather than threaten their social life?

References:

Braunerhielm, L. (2019). Tourism innovation research in the digital age. Towards a Geomedia approach. Forthcoming.

Liburd, J. & Edwards, D. (2018) Collaboration for sustainable tourism development. Oxford, Goodfellow Pulishers Ltd.

Ren, C. , Johannesson, G. T & Van Der Duim, R (2017) Co-Creating Tourism Research – Towards Collaborative Ways of Knowing. Abingdon, Routledge.