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Constructing the ‘cinematic tourist’

The ‘sign industry’ of The Lord of the Rings

University of Kent, UK, r.tzanelli{at}kent.ac.uk

The article examines the relationship between the culture (film) and tourist industries, suggesting that we reconsider the validity of their analytical differentiation. Contextually, it focuses on the generation of a new tourist industry in New Zealand after the global success of the cinematic ‘trilogy’ The Lord of the Rings (LOTR) (dir. Peter Jackson). It is argued that the LOTR tourist industry is characterized by simulation of a fantasy to such an extent, that we must reconsider the notion of ‘authenticity’ to examine this film-induced type of tourism. More insight is gained in this direction when we explore reactions of film viewers, and the way that commercial tourist providers use the films in the manufacturing of the tourist experience. The article also explores the response this global success instigated in New Zealand, making some observations on the relationship between cultural appropriation in tourist consumption, and cultural self-recognition.

Key Words: authenticity • Lord of the Rings • sign value • simulation • tourism

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