Non‐place marketing: transport hubs as gateways, flagships and symbols?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper it to investigate possible uses of what Augé terms “non‐places”, with particular reference to transport infrastructure, in place marketing messages and activities.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a review of the relevant academic literature in the areas of place marketing and transport architecture, the paper considers the possible role of transport infrastructure in place marketing.

Findings

The paper identifies a more overtly emblematic role for transport architecture – particularly airports and railway stations – in terms of their possible roles as gateways, flagships and symbols, and their consequent use in place marketing activities.

Research limitations/implications

This is an exploratory investigation comprising a review of the existing literature. Some possible avenues for further research in this area emerge.

Practical implications

The paper provides place marketers with an alternative perspective on the possible role of transport infrastructure in place marketing activity.

Originality/value

The paper's value is in its alternative perspective on the role of transport infrastructure, regarding infrastructure as a more overtly symbolic attribute of place, as opposed to its more usual portrayal as little more than a hygiene factor in place marketing messages.

Citation

Warnaby, G. (2009), "Non‐place marketing: transport hubs as gateways, flagships and symbols?", Journal of Place Management and Development, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 211-219. https://doi.org/10.1108/17538330911013906