“Atmosphere” - the what? The where? And the how?: Launching the annals of tourism research curated collection on atmosphere 2023

Abstract

This paper explores the complex phenomenon of atmosphere. More specifically, how atmosphere(s) is produced and consumed in the context of tourism. Interdisciplinary in nature, atmospheres capture the feeling of place and space. Atmospheres also work on the body – they have affective qualities. The paper first examines the nature of atmosphere – the what? The second part explores several contexts that have been used to explain where and how atmospheres emerge or are produced – the where? The third, suggests possible approaches for researching atmospheres – the how? In so doing it aims to pull together a range of theoretical perspectives, encourage further research, and set the scene for this special curated issue on atmospherics and tourism.