The temporal template of tourism: a comparative analysis of Epcot Center (Orlando) and Wadi Rum (Jordan)

Tourism narratives often perpetuate Eurocentric and nationalist temporal scripts that position the 'modern' West or nation-state as superior to its 'traditional' Eastern or Bedouin Other, reinforcing political and material hierarchies. This study compares Epcot Center (Orlando) and Wadi Rum Protected Area (Jordan), revealing how nineteenth-century Social Darwinist frameworks persist in contemporary representations. Through a comparative analysis of temporal scripts, the research demonstrates that such narratives deny coeval time between the 'modern' and its 'traditional' Other, with significant global and national implications. The approach involves examining tourism industry representations to uncover these underlying scripts.

Samman, K. (2010). The temporal template of tourism: a comparative analysis of Epcot Center (Orlando) and Wadi Rum (Jordan). Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, 8(4), 305–315. https://doi.org/10.1080/14766825.2010.521250