케냐 마사이마라 국립 보호구의 사파리 관광에서 드러나는 현대관광의 특성

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to characterize safaris as modern nature tourism that are hidden behind the romantic discourse of nature and primitiveness. This study is based on insights derived from qualitative research methodologies including participant observation of safaris in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and in-depth interviews with tour agencies as producers and tourists as consumers. As a result, three characteristics were identified. First, by exploring how a safari is produced and operated by an agency, the characteristic of the modern tourism industry operating according to rationality was found. Secondly, by investigating the way the Masai Mara National Reserve and safaris are managed and controlled, this study shows that the Masai Mara grassland has become an object of management and consumption by humans as a place where safaris, a modern form of nature tourism, are played out. Lastly, by examining the way tourists experience safaris, the characteristics of today's tourists, who seek authentic experiences while favoring familiarity and comfort, are identified. This study is differentiated in the aspect that tourism research has focused on practical aspects through quantitative research methodologies. It is also meaningful that the subject and geographic scope of the research are expanded by studying African safaris, which have rarely been discussed in tourism research.