Translating Tourism

by Stefania M. Maci, Cinzia G. Spinzi

Overview

This engaging textbook provides an in-depth examination of tourist discourse and communication and a guide to how to translate tourism texts.

Through analysis of the linguistic, intercultural, and socially inclusive aspects of tourist communication, this volume covers both conventional and digital forms of tourist texts and explores the unique attributes of tourist discourse, including its lexical, syntactic, and textual qualities, and how these affect translation processes. Special emphasis is placed on the translation of digital tourist information, guided tours, and accessible tourism discourse, highlighting the need for a functional and flexible translation methodology. The authors posit that tourist translation transcends simple language transmission, functioning as a mediatory act that necessitates cultural adaptation, knowledge of accessibility, and persuasive methods customised for varied audiences.

Synthesising concepts from tourist studies, discourse analysis, and translation studies, this accessible textbook merge theoretical views with practical examples to provide a key resource for researchers, translators, and professionals in translation studies, tourism communication, English language and linguistics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781040411544
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/20/2025
Series:	Translation Practices Explained
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	254

About the Author

Stefania M. Maci is Full Professor of English Language, Linguistics and Translation at the University of Bergamo, where she is the coordinator of the MA in Text Sciences and Culture Enhancement in the Digital Age. She has extensively published in tourism discourse and is the co-editor of the Routledge Handbook of Scientific Communication and the Routledge Handbook of Discourse and Disinformation.

Cinzia Spinzi is Associate Professor at the University of Bergamo where she is the Coordinator of the MA in Planning and Management of Tourism Systems.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgment
List of Figures
List of Acronyms
Introduction
Using this Book
Structure of the Book

CHAPTER 1 - Tourism Discourses
Abstract
What is Tourism?
The Role of Discourse in the Tourism Industry
Language or Discourse? Some Definitions
Studies in Tourism Discourse
Tourism Discourse vs General Discourse
Understanding Tourism Analog and Digital Genres and Text Types
Tourism as a Form of Specialized Discourse
Concluding Remarks
Activities and Exercises
Further Readings

CHAPTER 2 - Translation and Tourism
Abstract
Introduction: Why Translation Matters in Tourism Discourse
Tourism Translation
Tourism Communication: Working with Tourism Texts
Digital Strand: Navigating New Frontiers
Conclusion
Activities and Exercises
Further Readings

CHAPTER 3 - Accessibility and Inclusion through Tourism Translation
Abstract
Accessibility, Tourism and Translation
Inclusive Tours
Inclusive and Accessible Museums
Translation and Audio Description
Translation Issues and Strategies
Activities and Exercises
Further Readings

CHAPTER 4 - Mediating Tourism: Tourist Guides at Work
Abstract
Introduction
Tourists or Travellers?
The Tourist Guide
Tourist Guide at Work
Contextualizing and Profiling the Tourist Guide
The Genre of the Guided Tour
Cultural Mediation in the Guided Tour
Concluding Remarks
Activities and Exercises
Further Readings

CHAPTER 5 - Tourism Goes Digital
Introduction
Websites
Tourism Digitization
Translating Menus for the Global Tourist
Practical Exercises
Further Readings

Appendix
References

Editorial Reviews

"Translating Tourism" promises to be a popular and highly influential addition to the field of tourism studies pedagogy. The book tackles the critically important topic of translation from a tourism studies perspective.  Translation is an exceptionally challenging aspect of tourism, and one that is very high-stakes given its economic implications: indeed, the quality and effectiveness of translations for tourists can have a major impact on the number of tourists who visit a destination.  Translating Tourism Explained provides timely, vital information to help ensure the success of tourism translation.  The book is thorough, well-researched, and clear"

Michael J. Zerbe, Professor, York College of Pennsylvania, USA

From the Publisher