Rethinking niche tourism: The example of backpacking

Abstract This conceptual paper re-evaluates the concept of niches in tourism markets. As many regions are now attempting to address niche markets as a development strategy, understanding dynamics is crucial. Current approaches often limited seeing simple subsectors larger consumer We argue for broader view market forms social rituals involving both consumers and producers with mutual focus attention. Based on work Randall Collins we examine how interaction produced maintained, these also reflected markets, such backpacking. illustrate backpacking produces attention boundaries outsiders, helping sustain over longer term. analysis has implications hoping tap into they too need become part community.