Tourism scholars have explored liminality for over
thirty years (Andrews & Roberts, 2012; Brooker & Joppe, 2014; Crouch,
2000; Lett 1983; Light 2009; Preston-Whyte, 2004; Pritchard, & Morgan,
2006; Varley, 2011). A degree of the unknown is evident in the experience, especially
given the hint of death (Andrews & Roberts, 2012). The breadth and depth of
understanding the transitional period of travel is an important one to
understand since it has a great potential impact on the overall encounter for
the visitor.
Challenging us, Preston-Whyte (2004:249) states “(l)iminality
is an elusive concept.” Easily recognized, but a challenge to explain, Thomassen
(2009) even goes to suggest that the concept does not and cannot explain. Given that liminality has become as Downey and
others (2016:3) call the “catch-all expression for an ambiguous, transitional,
or interstitial spatio-temporal dimensions” here we are challenged with
defining it under those restraints.
What does liminality in tourism mean to you?
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