ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the role of technology in the tourist gaze, and considers current research around the mediation of place through technology. As a result, the chapter concludes by highlighting contemporary issues in the creation of place and self through digital technologies. The chapter reflects and develops the conceptual model presented by, which proposes an e-mediated tourist gaze, exploring the ways in which tourism images are produced digitally and shared with global audiences through forums, image sharing websites and Google Earth. The development of Street View on Google Earth also allows users to explore a virtual world, and to arguably dwell within it. Robinson notes that whilst the semiotics, the signs and icons of the destination remain unchanged in the e-mediated gaze, the ability to globally share images democratizes personal photography and the added reality of these non-official photographs may subsequently convey additional new meanings about specific spaces. The virtual space becomes embodied and is further explored through a virtual gaze.
