Gazing in naturist camps: Intra-tourists’ gaze dynamics and effects on destination image

While tourism research has extensively explored host-guest dynamics and land-use conflicts, the interactions between tourists themselves remain underexamined despite their profound influence on experiences, destination image, and potential tensions. This study addresses this gap by investigating intra-tourist gaze, that is, how tourists observe, interpret, and influence one another, within the unique context of a European naturist resort, where nude and clothed visitors coexist. Drawing on 225 TripAdvisor reviews and autoethnographic reflections, the research reveals that conflicting gazes among tourist subgroups create a multilayered common gaze, shaped by cultural practices and destination management. In naturist settings, the absence of clothing intensifies the power of the gaze, transforming it into a visceral, embodied experience that can evoke discomfort, connection, or resistance. The presence of clothed tourists, for instance, disrupts the liberating ethos of naturism, reintroducing social scrutiny and challenging the destination’s identity. These tensions highlight the fragility of shared spaces and the need for managers to proactively balance inclusivity with the preservation of core values. By framing intra-tourist interactions as a dynamic, co-productive process, this study underscores their critical role in shaping both individual satisfaction and the broader sustainability of tourist destinations.