Reconceptualize Free-Roaming Animals in Tourism Systems: A Dual-Lens Actor Framework

This study explores how free-roaming animals (FRAs) are conceptualized within tourism systems by analyzing academic research and media coverage. An automated content analysis of 33 academic articles from 1997 to 2024 and 46 news reports from 2000 to 2024 was conducted. The results reveal that academic discourse and media portrayals of FRAs differ significantly. Academic articles primarily adopt a scientific and objective perspective that focuses on theoretical frameworks and methodological studies of animals and their impacts. In contrast, media reports emphasize emotional and experiential narrative-driven portrayals to highlight human–animal conflicts and the role of animals in local communities and tourist attractions. Both sources acknowledge FRAs as active participants in tourism networks, influencing tourist experiences, public health, and local economies. This study proposes a Dual-Lens Actor Framework and offers a comparative analysis that bridges the gap between academic and media representations of FRAs in tourism. This research underscores the unique perspectives and thematic differences between these sources and offers valuable insights for shaping policies in regions where FRAs play a significant role. It highlights the need for a balanced approach to policy-making that integrates both scientific findings and the social and emotional dimensions of human–animal relationships in tourism.