Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Global development processes and the shaping of resort spaces
There are a number of key trends associated with these development processes which
King (2007) in particular, has discussed in terms of aspects of postmodernism, namely the
de-differentiation and specialisation of the resort product. Examples of specialist resorts
include the exclusive, fi ve-star tented hotel 'wilderness hideaway' Amanwana in Sumbawa,
eastern Indonesia; the emergence of Koh Tao Island, Thailand as a specialist scuba diving
resort; or the growing number of spa and 'wellness' resorts in Bali. Often, de-differentiation
and specialisation is achieved through the privatisation of tourism spaces and the theming of
such resort landscapes. In terms of the latter, King's (1997) earlier work on Australian resorts
identifi ed a so-called 'architecture of pleasure'. This term embraces the main elements of
these tourism consumption spaces, particularly the ideas of theming and using the built form
to help mark out that tourists are entering a pleasure space (Gottdiener, 2001). More specifi -
cally, Ayala (1991, 1993) views this process as an international mega-trend which has produced
a distinctive resort landscape. In doing so, Ayala (1991), following Gee (1988), argues that
such landscapes are designed to 'induce a feeling of well-being and enjoyment', using the
distinguishing factors of 'type, location, scenery and lushness' (p. 569).
In the pursuit of de-differentiation and specialisation, combined with the infl uence of the
broader global processes of neo-Fordism or mass customisation, a diversity of resort types
targeted at specifi c market segments has inevitably been produced. Current studies identify
these as being: mass beach resorts (mega-type) (see Agarwal and Shaw, 2007; Clancy, 2001);
golf-beach resorts (Sullivan, 1996; Pleumaron, 1992); sport and water parks (Turner, 1996);
and boutique and specialist wedding resorts ( Jamieson, 2004). In all of these types, the
tourism space is arranged to encourage consumption. The consumption spaces of mega-
resorts in particular are carefully contrived, where shopping is sold as a major holiday activity
and where shopping malls dominate the resort's landscape.
In contrast, boutique resorts are designed to be more specialised and tend to be on a
smaller scale, around 50 to 100 rooms, and are aimed at a mystique market niche. The tourism
space is still commodifi ed although shopping and residential developments are more limited
as emphasis is instead placed on service, quality and privacy. Other resorts are developing at
the 'softer' end of adventure tourism, often around water-based activities. As Edensor and
Kothari (2004: 197) explain, such so-called 'smooth' tourist spaces are created 'to accord with
familiar and comfortable sensual experiences' (see Hottola,
Chapter 18
and Edensor and
Falconer,
Chapter 9
in this volume). When taken together, their development and production
are part of postmodern landscapes that are constructed around themed environments, and
which involve a complex array of agents as previously highlighted in this chapter, with global
hotel organisations being one of the key elements.
Given this increasing trend for developers and tour operators to use particular settings in
order to create product differentiation and specialisation (Shaw and Williams, 2004), one
research area which still requires further attention is the need for a more detailed typological
analysis of these coastal resorts. Whilst work by Ayala (1991, 1993) along with King (2001,
2007) goes some way towards achieving this, no detailed comprehensive analysis has been
undertaken at an international level. Moreover, the continued popularity of these resorts is
debateable. This is because, on the one hand, King (2001) argues the type-casting of tourists
interested in the three S's (sun, sand and sea) seems increasingly outdated (p. 186; see
also Anton Clavé,
Chapter 28
in this volume). On the other hand, the development of
contemporary landscapes which aim to provide sensory order and which create designs to
project themed environments raises the serious problem of serial reproduction (Richards and
