KnE Social Sciences
ISSN: 2518-668X
The latest conference proceedings on humanities, arts and social sciences.
The Importance of Theory and Design in Tourism Research: A Case Study of Photovoice Method
Published date: Dec 03 2025
Journal Title: KnE Social Sciences
Issue title: The 5th International Conference on Tourism, Gastronomy, and Tourist Destination (TGDIC 2025)
Pages: 592 - 603
Authors:
Abstract:
This study examines the close relationship between theory and research design in the development of tourism studies, highlighting the use of the Photovoice method as a participatory approach within the context of regenerative tourism. Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of social constructivism, participatory action research (PAR), and regenerative tourism theory, this research demonstrates how theory can be applied through participatory research design to generate meaningful social change. The study analyzes several previous research findings related to the use of the Photovoice method in tourism studies and connects them with the researcher’s own experience in applying Photovoice in a tourism village context. The research involves local residents in documenting and interpreting their experiences related to tourism and environmental sustainability. The findings indicate that the Photovoice method is not only a research tool but also a participatory learning process that fosters community empowerment, critical reflection, and socio-ecological resilience. This study strengthens the discourse on regenerative tourism by demonstrating that participatory design can bridge academic theory and tangible transformation within communities.
Keywords: Photovoice, regenerative tourism, participatory action research, theory and design, community empowerment
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