Dynamics of convivial affective atmospheres

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A1 Alkuperäisartikkeli tieteellisessä aikakauslehdessä
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Date

2023-07

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Language

en

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Annals of Tourism Research, Volume 101, pp. 1-13

Abstract

This article examines the dynamics of affective atmospheres in explaining compelling touristic service experiences. Extending affect-theoretical research, we theorize and examine the role of affective bodily encounters through which convivial atmospheres are (re)produced. Based on multi-sited ethnographic research in iconic Club Med resorts, our findings emphasize the spontaneity and fragility of convivial affective atmospheres, meaning they are difficult to control, but also how their ongoing “bubbling” is shaped by materiality, ritual activities, and temporality. We contribute by (1) developing the concept of convivial affective atmosphere, and by (2) offering a theoretical framework that helps advance research into the affective entanglement and dynamics of atmospheres in tourism. Finally, we critically discuss what service providers can do to facilitate and re-produce convivial atmospheres.

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Funding Information: The authors wish to extend their thanks to all Lifestyle Research Center members and our students who took part in Club Med fieldwork and related discussions over the years. In addition, we wish to warmly thank Club Med for making this research possible. Publisher Copyright: © 2023 Elsevier Ltd

Keywords

Affect, Affective atmosphere, Body, Conviviality, Ethnography, Service interactions

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Citation

Rokka, J, Auriacombe, B, Arnould, E & Sitz, L 2023, ' Dynamics of convivial affective atmospheres ', Annals of Tourism Research, vol. 101, 103601, pp. 1-13 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2023.103601