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Terminology

Poetry and Politics of Place

The Civic Tourism subtitle, "The Poetry and Politics of Place," represents a two-fold approach to the subject. The "poetry" of place is its product, its story, often called "sense of place," which has become increasingly popular among tourism professionals because of the associated financial benefits.

A good deal of Civic Tourism's research focuses on what "place" is and what it means; and anyone who has tried to do that knows it's not easy. Place-making is conceptually opaque and fraught with issues of power, identity, and money.

That leads to the "politics" of place — the process, how place gets articulated, and who participates in that activity.

Hence, Civic Tourism focuses on the product and process of place-making within a tourism context.

Missoula Street

More towns are trying to attract people who travel to experience "place."

  • Studies show these tourists stay longer and spend more.
  • The number of place-seeking tourists is growing as more Boomers retire, and as people become increasingly dissatisfied with bland experiences.
  • Nearly every community already has a museum, historic downtown, natural setting, or other ready-made attraction.
  • Differentiation is an important factor in tourism promotion, and place is a vital tool for helping communities set themselves apart.
Now Available! Civic Tourism: The Poetry & Politics of Place By Dan Shilling, Foreword by Scott Russell Sanders

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Click here to watch Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano's welcome to the first Civic Tourism conference.