Nelson Graburn, a distinguished professor known for his work in the anthropology of tourism, passed away on February 27 at the age of 88. Graburn’s academic journey began at UC Berkeley in 1964, where he spent nearly fifty years contributing to the university community. His research focused on Inuit communities in remote parts of Canada and explored how tourism intersects with culture, heritage, and identity.
Graburn’s pioneering ideas on “tourism as a sacred journey” were instrumental in developing tourism studies during the 1970s. His course titled “Tourism, Art and Modernity” became a staple at UC Berkeley, offering students insights into how cultural practices are maintained through tourism. Even after retiring in 2007, Graburn remained involved with the Tourism Studies Working Group and continued mentoring students.
In recognition of his contributions, Graburn received the Emeriti of the Year award in 2022. This accolade acknowledged his efforts in establishing Berkeley as a leading center for tourism studies—an area increasingly vital to many cultures and economies worldwide.
Further information about Nelson Graburn can be found on the Department of Anthropology’s website.
