This paper aims to observe the possibility of using fiction as a case study of tourism by comparing it
with non-fiction materials and explain this theory more specifically in the light of backpackers’ tendency of
clustering shown in Garland’s The Beach. For this end, I emphasize the possibility of qualitative research
of fiction and discuss the utility of fiction as a case study research by contrasting it with non-fiction. After
that, I illuminate the specific effects based on the plot and theme of The Beach. Until now, the research
methods of social science have hinged on the objective facts such as measurement analysis and the real
people’s records. Considering that, as a real phenomenon, all the persons directly involved in tourism, such
as tourists, residents, and travel agents, judge situations based on emotional factors, realistic fiction can also
be used as a research material. Notably, fiction is suggested to request empathy to readers by transportation
and, only if the phase ends, deliver stronger and more lasting effects. I expect a lot of attention to the
availability of the social science studies through fiction through this writing.