"Get into the Alpine Groove"

Petra Öttl
2017 unpublished
Freedom in independent travel frequently is restricted by the power the guidebook exerts over its readers (Caruana & Crane (2011: 1499, referring to Hollinshead [1994: 388],quoted in Caruana & Crane, 2011: 1498). Via a semiotic analysis that is applied to the textual as well as the visual representations of Austria in general and the Tyrol as sample province in the guidebook LP Austria, this diploma thesis strives to shed light on the possible limitations of the desired freedom of the tourist
more » ... d how the readers' perception of the destination is influenced through the representation that is chosen in the guidebook. Applying a constructivist approach, the processes of Othering, stereotyping and the construction of authenticity in the guidebook are investigated. Findings reveal a tendency to construct the Other on the level of scenery instead of a personal level and through the presentation of Austria/the Tyrol as "other place", "other time" and "other experience" (van Gorp & Béneker 2007). The image of an outdoor paradise is created and authenticity frequently is constructed in relation to staged performances. Additionally, stereotypes are consistently used throughout the text and therefore also influence the readers' perception of the destination. The visuals used in LP Austria then reproduce the findings in the textual accounts by heavily drawing on the distinct scenery, stereotypes and authenticity. Hence, findings clearly show that LP Austria rather denies freedom to its readers than giving it to them.
doi:10.25365/thesis.47040 fatcat:hprues26rradxnidvhvmmtmhqm