The Dracula Dilemma

Tourism, Identity and the State in Romania

Business & Finance, Industries & Professions, Hospitality, Tourism & Travel
Cover of the book The Dracula Dilemma by Duncan Light, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Duncan Light ISBN: 9781317035312
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: March 23, 2016
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Duncan Light
ISBN: 9781317035312
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: March 23, 2016
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

For many in the West, Romania is synonymous with Count Dracula. Since the publication of Bram Stoker's famous novel in 1897 Transylvania (and by extension, Romania) has become inseparable in the Western imagination with Dracula, vampires and the supernatural. Moreover, since the late 1960s Western tourists have travelled to Transylvania on their own searches for the literary and supernatural roots of the Dracula myth. Such 'Dracula tourism' presents Romania with a dilemma. On one hand, Dracula is Romania's unique selling point and has considerable potential to be exploited for economic gain. On the other hand, the whole notion of vampires and the supernatural is starkly at odds with Romania's self-image as a modern, developed, European state. This book examines the way that Romania has negotiated Dracula tourism over the past four decades. During the communist period (up to 1989) the Romanian state did almost nothing to encourage such tourism but reluctantly tolerated it. However, some discrete local initiatives were developed to cater for Dracula enthusiasts that operated at the margins of legality in a communist state. In the post-communist period (after 1989) any attempt to censor Dracula has disappeared and the private sector in Romania has been swift to exploit the commercial possibilities of the Count. However, the Romanian state remains ambivalent about Dracula and continues to be reluctant to encourage or promote Dracula tourism. As such Romania's dilemma with Dracula remains unresolved.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

For many in the West, Romania is synonymous with Count Dracula. Since the publication of Bram Stoker's famous novel in 1897 Transylvania (and by extension, Romania) has become inseparable in the Western imagination with Dracula, vampires and the supernatural. Moreover, since the late 1960s Western tourists have travelled to Transylvania on their own searches for the literary and supernatural roots of the Dracula myth. Such 'Dracula tourism' presents Romania with a dilemma. On one hand, Dracula is Romania's unique selling point and has considerable potential to be exploited for economic gain. On the other hand, the whole notion of vampires and the supernatural is starkly at odds with Romania's self-image as a modern, developed, European state. This book examines the way that Romania has negotiated Dracula tourism over the past four decades. During the communist period (up to 1989) the Romanian state did almost nothing to encourage such tourism but reluctantly tolerated it. However, some discrete local initiatives were developed to cater for Dracula enthusiasts that operated at the margins of legality in a communist state. In the post-communist period (after 1989) any attempt to censor Dracula has disappeared and the private sector in Romania has been swift to exploit the commercial possibilities of the Count. However, the Romanian state remains ambivalent about Dracula and continues to be reluctant to encourage or promote Dracula tourism. As such Romania's dilemma with Dracula remains unresolved.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Bismarck and the German Empire by Duncan Light
Cover of the book Algebra in the Early Grades by Duncan Light
Cover of the book Painting the Novel by Duncan Light
Cover of the book Women and Fundamentalism by Duncan Light
Cover of the book Smartcities and Eco-Warriors by Duncan Light
Cover of the book After a Fall by Duncan Light
Cover of the book Comparative Perspectives on Environmental Policies and Issues by Duncan Light
Cover of the book Literacies, Literature and Learning by Duncan Light
Cover of the book White Roses on the Floor of Heaven by Duncan Light
Cover of the book Matsuri: The Festivals of Japan by Duncan Light
Cover of the book Philosophical Discussion in Moral Education by Duncan Light
Cover of the book Portals and Libraries by Duncan Light
Cover of the book Islam and Development by Duncan Light
Cover of the book Wittgenstein's Investigations 1-133 by Duncan Light
Cover of the book Children and Young People's Nursing by Duncan Light
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy