Understanding fan tourists at a non-commodified fan pilgrimage site: An application of fan capital theory
Abstract
This study aims to examine how fan tourism emerges at a non-commodified touristic site and what constitutes meaningful, (in)authentic fan tourism experiences. The research focus is on Japanese fan tourists visiting the officially denied Attack on Titan media pilgrimage site in Nördlingen, Germany. Drawing on fan capital theory from fan studies, the findings suggest that two types of fan capital, namely fan cultural capital and fan symbolic capital, played an important role in establishing Nördlingen as a quasi-authentic fan pilgrimage site. Research suggests not only the absence of commodification at the site, but also fostering of the fan tourists’ imagination and affection with the site. Exclusivity and performativity of fan activities in situ were observed.
RAS ID
40345
Document Type
Letter to the Editor
Date of Publication
2023
Funding Information
Japan Society for the Promotion of Sciene
School
School of Business and Law
Copyright
subscription content
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Recommended Citation
Thelen, T., & Kim, S. (2023). Understanding fan tourists at a non-commodified fan pilgrimage site: An application of fan capital theory. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2021.2011162
Comments
Thelen, T., & Kim, S. (2023). Understanding fan tourists at a non-commodified fan pilgrimage site: An application of fan capital theory. Current Issues in Tourism, 26(1), 12-17.
https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2021.2011162