Know Your Roots : Towards New Perspectives on Travelling through Genealogical Mapping-Based Journeys: An Exploratory Study

Abstract: The current tourist behavioural trends and the increasing number of visitor nights can no longer be the main focus of the international tourism industry, as they harm the physical and social environment. However, in the current profit-driven economic and political systems, reducing the intensity of travelling seems unrealistic; besides, many people's livelihoods are dependent on the industry. Nevertheless, we should always strive for the utmost to mitigate harmful consequences. Travellers' behavioural patterns pose a major barrier to reforming the industry, calling for long-term connections and engagement with the physical and social environment as a possible solution. Therefore, we investigate the potential of transforming the hedonistic tourist attitude into one that values meaningful connections. Our research explores the emotional dimensions of DNA journeys and the effects of the travellers’ shifting identities on their behaviour. The semi-structured interviews helped unfold the emotions of participants emerging during their journeys. The findings indicate that the travellers' newly awakened emotions led to new attitudes of openness, acceptance and curiosity. We concluded that the emotions faced by DNA travellers as part of their identity construction could translate into the adoption of behavioural norms that bring new perspectives on responsible travelling by enabling a deeper connection to the destination. Genealogical mapping-based journeys embrace the appreciation of commonalities and differences as travellers enter a country with open hearts and minds.