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“From souvenirs to 3D printed souvenirs”. Exploring the capabilities of additive manufacturing technologies in (re)-framing tourist souvenirs

Anastasiadou, Constantia; Vettese, Sam

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Abstract

Souvenirs, whether mass-produced commodities made elsewhere or local artisanal handicrafts, are static objects that lack the capacity to mediate or generate the co-creative, active or immersive experiences that tourists desire. The expansion of additive manufacturing (3D printing) and open access digital fabrication facilities creates opportunities for personalisation, creativity and prosumption that could alter souvenir consumption. Using a qualitative approach, this study examined visitor preferences and managers views on 3D printed souvenirs that were mass-produced but individualised within a heritage retail environment, where the visitors were able to interact with the digital making process. The findings suggest while there is some interest in designing and personalising souvenirs using new technologies, there are also intellectual and ethical challenges which need to be addressed. We propose the 3D printed souvenir as a new type of souvenir and a future research agenda that considers the technology implications for tourist consumption.

Citation

Anastasiadou, C., & Vettese, S. (2019). “From souvenirs to 3D printed souvenirs”. Exploring the capabilities of additive manufacturing technologies in (re)-framing tourist souvenirs. Tourism Management, 71, 428-442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2018.10.032

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 29, 2018
Online Publication Date Nov 6, 2018
Publication Date 2019-04
Deposit Date Oct 30, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Tourism Management
Print ISSN 0261-5177
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 71
Pages 428-442
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2018.10.032
Keywords heritage, sustainability, gift shops; retailing; 3D printing; souvenir; additive manufacturing
Public URL http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/1324957

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