Author(s)

A. J. Rodríguez, P. Díaz, D. Ruiz-Labourdette, F. D. Pineda, M. F. Schmitz & A. Santana

Abstract

Tourism constitutes an important factor among those influencing sociocultural change in populations, particularly when these inhabit tourist destinations. Among the multiple components of the tourism system, the processes of selection, design and implementation of the ‘constructed image’ are highly valuable with regard to studying the significance and resignificance of the territory. The present study analyses these processes through images presented in brochures and websites relating to the tourism offer of the island of Fuerteventura (Canary Isles). It can currently be observed that the local administrations of this island are attempting to project Fuerteventura’s image through its re-adaptation and differentiation as a tourist destination. The process gives rise to contradictions in the selection strategies and significance of the tourism resources between the different administrations and the other actors responsible for ‘generating an image’. Keywords: brochures, projected image, symbolic transfiguration, tourism, tourist destinations, websites. 1 Introduction Tourism clearly constitutes a leading activity in international, national and domestic economies. Consensus exists regarding the importance of the tourism image as a motor thereof. Only one other topic, the impacts of tourism, competes with this activity with regard to analysis by researchers.

Keywords

brochures, projected image, symbolic transfiguration, tourism, tourist destinations, websites