Novel Destinations: Dunedin City of Literature - Best seller, or write off?

Abstract

The literary city is by no means a new concept, but is evident throughout history. As a social construct it has provided a stage upon which literature has been performed for generations, with tourism offering a launch pad upon which many cities today define themselves. In 2004, UNESCO launched the Creative Cities Network, within which the City of Literature would allow cities with a literary pedigree to harness its strengths amongst other similar cities worldwide. In doing so, it was suggested that creative tourism would be generated, adding a new creative element to the traditional concept of literary tourism. This research investigates the role literary tourism plays in defining the city space by employing a qualitative, epistemological technique, through which a series of thirteen interviews with professional stakeholders from Dunedin, seeking to respond to the statement “Dunedin: City of Literature, Best seller, or writer off?”