The social construction of the image of Girona: a methodological approach

This paper is based on the study of the image emitted of a cultural destination, which in this case is the city of Girona in Spain. The research aims to determine what is the socially constructed image of the city. We propose a new methodology that can be applicable to other destinations of similar characteristics. The study is based on a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the images (illustrations, photos and texts) that appear in the tourist guide books. It is suggested that a sequence of images appear with roots in a Romantic perception to the more complex visualisation of a post-modern period.