Towards a Responsible Experience Economy: Ethics through Aesthetics in Tourism

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the connection between ethics and aesthetics with a supporting case from the international tourism industry. Researchers in sustainable tourism have ignored, resisted or simply been reluctant to include the aesthetic perspective in the analysis of sustainable development, social responsibility or climate adaptation. The consequence is that we know very little about the ways aesthetic affects ethical considerations among guests and travellers. A more comprehensive reconciliation of the ethical and aesthetic dimensions may lead to the recognition that a stronger emphasis on aesthetics can enhance the guest’s experience of sustainable tourism within a responsible experience economy. We argue that this economy can thrive under sophisticated capitalism.

Citation

Legrand, W. and Nielsen, R.S. (2018), "Towards a Responsible Experience Economy: Ethics through Aesthetics in Tourism", Advances in Hospitality and Leisure (Advances in Hospitality and Leisure, Vol. 14), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 173-182. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1745-354220180000014011