Neo-tribes in tourism: An ethnographic study of cycling special interest groups

The main objective of the study is to reveal the importance of special interest communities within the scope of special interest tourism. Theoretical frame of the study is based on neo-tribes approach which is suggested for late modern era communities. The study employs reflexive ethnographical methodology to delineate the issues related to cycling which is gaining popularity as a form of special interest tourism. In depth interviews and participatory observations are held in two cycling communities. The study consists of three main parts. In the first part, the neo-tribal characteristics of the bicycle groups are examined and they are defined as neo-tribes. In the second part, cycling communities' cohesion will be explained for the sustainability of these communities. The last part explained bicycle tribes as the prosumer focusing on their producer functions. The results suggest that cycling communities can be explained as an important actor with specific characteristics of tourism and prosumer of special interest tourism. The study is expected to produce empirical evidence for sociology and social psychology theories and valuable information that requires consideration of communities while developing policies and strategies for tourism practitioners. The study is valuable in terms of revealing the importance and functions of communities in special interest tourism.