Hijacked Destination Images? Autonomous Representations of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in The Amazing Race, U.S.A

Authors

  • Russell B. Williams College of Communication and Media Science Zayed University

Abstract

Dunn’s (2006) discursive axes are used as a foundation for an explanatory structure that reveals the latent focus of destination images. Examined images are of Abu Dhabi and Dubai and created by The Amazing Race (TAR) television program. Dubai is one of the top tourist destinations in the world and Abu Dhabi is one of the fastest growing. Analysing manifest pull-factors, and latent images within TAR episodes and DMO promotional videos it becomes clear that TAR is hijacking the image of Dubai to a greater extent than Abu Dhabi. The emirates are, however, being presented uniquely on TAR. The implications of TAR-DMO inconsistencies are discussed. This means for the analysis of latent meaning within destination image presentations is shown valuable for understanding core differences and similarities. Practical uses of this analytical structure and findings are also offered.

Author Biography

Russell B. Williams, College of Communication and Media Science Zayed University

Russell B. Williams is assistant professor of communication at Zayed University and course leader for tourism. His key areas of interest are games, experiences and tourism. His current research focuses on destination image in reality-competition television programs, the application of augmented-reality games in tourism and the impact of advertising placements in video games.

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Published

2018-07-08

How to Cite

Williams, R. B. (2018) “Hijacked Destination Images? Autonomous Representations of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in The Amazing Race, U.S.A”, e-Review of Tourism Research, 15(4/5). Available at: https://ertr-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/ertr/article/view/230 (Accessed: 29 March 2024).

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Section

Articles