Searching for Rich Narratives of Tourism and Leisure Experience: How Oral History Could Provide an Answer

Abstract

This paper suggests that oral history offers a potentially insightful methodological approach to those engaged in tourism and leisure research. The paper begins by defining oral history, discussing its origins and outlining its development. It is suggested that the oral history technique offers opportunities for more researcher/researched interaction and participation since it is a ‘shared’ and reflexive process. It also provides greater transparency in the research process since it acknowledges the role of the interviewer. In order to illustrate the value and application of the oral history technique in tourism and leisure research, the paper then presents a brief indication of how it is being applied in an ongoing study of the leisure uses of canals in South Wales during the 20th century. The paper concludes by suggesting how oral history could be applied in future tourism and leisure research projects.