Gaze and tourist-host relationship – state of the art

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer an up-to-date review of the gaze, proposing new research agendas with regard to the various gazes actively operating at destinations. Design/methodology/approach The study thoroughly and systematically reviewed the existing literature by gathering papers related to gaze research in tourism contexts. Analysis of existing knowledge is centered around the gaze and a triadic framework among three key stakeholders. Findings A theoretical schema of the gaze was developed via a thorough examination of existing studies. The framework disclosed the subject of the gaze, be it tourist-initiated and/or host-initiated, and tourist–host interactions. Along with five dominant types (tourist gaze, intratourist gaze, local gaze, mutual gaze and reverse gaze), a triadic framework among stakeholders was further revealed. Originality/value The literature review provides meaningful insights into gaze research in the tourism field, representing the first effort to delineate relationships among relevant stakeholders. Further, this study proposes future research priorities related to the tourist–host relationship for destination experience development.