ESCAPE EXPERIENCES IN LIGHTHOUSE TOURISM: A PHOTO ELICITATION PERSPECTIVE

The lighthouse tourism which has been flourishing in several coastal areas provides the ideal scenario for escape experiences. This paper aims to discuss the implicit meanings, symbolisms and emotions evoked by lighthouses, in particular those related with recreational storm chasing, "land's ends" pilgrimage and gaze upon dystopic places. Using a qualitative approach, the classification of "lighter" dark tourism product is supported by filmography content analysis, photo-elicitation and lighthouses promotion websites. Several case-studies were discussed providing support for a taxonomy of motives for engaging (dark) lighthouse experiences: risk recreation; isolation and loneliness; pilgrimage; ship wrecking; memorials; dystopia; and "ice palaces" gaze. Public decision makers, maritime authorities and tourism operators may acknowledge the theoretical and practical contributions provided by this paper and develop innovative escape experiences thus giving more "energy" to these peripheral regions.