The soundscape wheel: a conceptual map for tourism geographers

Soundscapes are receiving increasing attention in tourism studies. Much focus is given to noise generated by tourism, whereas the role of sound in experiences of place has received less attention. To address this gap, we introduce a ‘soundscape wheel’ as a theoretical and applied tool that can inform transdisciplinary work across tourism studies. The aim of this conceptual map is to discern the ways soundscapes are addressed in the literature spanning natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, with the hope of better informing tourism geographers’ engagement with sound and other sensorial elements of place. This conceptual map was derived by compiling themes generated from a series of workshops and expert-led discussions within the Nordic Soundscapes Research Network as well as a literature scan within the theme of tourism and sound studies, guided by the expert discussions. The structure of the article is as follows: first, a brief account of soundscape research is followed by the development of the conceptual soundscape wheel map. Second, major elements of the soundscape wheel are described while drawing attention to examples of relationships between sound, place, community, and mobilities. Like tourism studies more broadly, the boundaries between the soundscape wheel’s categories are intentionally porous to inspire theoretical and methodological innovations. Finally, an example of how the soundscape wheel can be applied in tourism research is presented, followed by a discussion of other potential applications, including how to move beyond the limiting binary of noise vs. quiet in tourism geographies.