Car tourism – conceptualization and research advancement

Abstract

This paper investigates the phenomenon of car tourism. People are motivated to travel to destinations where cars are produced (car factories), showcased (car fairs) and used (car rallies, races and driving experiences). This article presents the definition of the phenomenon and reviews the current state of car tourism development and research. Car tourism is examined from the interdisciplinary perspectives of tourism, heritage, marketing, and destination management in areas where car tourism creates tourist spaces and products. The phenomenon has a significant impact on tourism at destina- tions where cars are either manufactured or present car history, or have automotive heritage experiences based on classic cars. In addition, car tourism plays an important role in the marketing of major car brands and in place marketing. As a synopsis of current research, the paper lays the foundation for further studies, including investiga- tions on the socio - economic results of car tourism, studies of car tourists' motivations and future research perspectives.