Grote Markt and feeling

The Grote Markt (translated as ‘the big market’) lies in the heart of the centre of Groningen. It used to function as a market, however, that function has now mainly moved to the Vismarkt, next to the Grote Markt. The Grote Markt literally is the ‘heart’ of Groningen, as it lies in the middle of the city. Important events for Groningen, such as for example performances from Eurosonic Noorderslag and the broadcasting football events, happen here.

An important, but neglected aspect of tourism studies is the study of feelings. Emotions connect people to places. For example, when a tourism place is religious, this leads to certain emotions (of example connectedness or perhaps the opposite) which somehow creates a connection.[1] I believe that these feelings are also created by the social environment, which means that feelings are ‘affectual’, which means that if one person feels a certain way, another person may copy this feeling.  In the case of the Grote Markt, people see the market as an inherent part of Groningen. If you feel like a citizen of Groningen, or if Groningen holds a place in your heart, it is most likely that the Grote Markt does so too! This is the connection.

- Tessa

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[1] Dorina Maria Buda, Anne-Marie d'Hauteserre, Lynda Johnston, "Feeling and tourism studies," Annals of Tourism Research 46 (2014): 102-114, accessed January 22, https://nestor.rug.nl/bbcswebdav/pid-7624556-dt-content-rid-7719174_2/courses/HCRWB0405.2015-2016.1B/Feeling%20and%20tourism%20studies%281%29.pdf