The Role of Place Image in the Decline and Rejuvenation of Traditional Seaside Resorts

Abstract

This chapter considers the interplay between place image, class and the Tourism Area Life Cycle Model (Butler 1980) at traditional English seaside resorts, looking at how these places are symbolically represented in society and the media. These resorts, especially the more working-class ones, slipped down the Leisure Spaces Hierarchy to represent poor taste (Urry 1995a). Place image impacted the fortunes of these areas as they moved through the lifecycle stages of stagnation and decline; it seems set to do the same as they face rejuvenation and potential transformation.