The sociogenesis of leisure travel

Tourism literature explored tourist-related phenomena from a micro- or individual-level perspective, investigating behavior in the context of one's preferences and without considering the larger societal forces that shape these tendencies at a macro level. Drawing on Elias' figurational sociology, Russia's contemporary history (1955-2016) and biographical-grid interviews with 27 Russian citizens, this research provides a figurational analysis of the meaning and practices of leisure travel. Based on nine identified themes arranged chronologically across three periods (Soviet Russia, transitional period, modern Russia), the sociogenesis of leisure travel is explained. Results provides insights into factors that underlie the reality for tourists, based on which they form their motivations, preferences, and behaviors. Tourism research needs to move beyond sedentarist theories and the West/East dichotomy.