If we were to construct the most charitable argument for the idea that travel guides are only a component of fictional inspiration, we could say that fiction creates attraction and guides provide the logistics to realize this dream.
Nevertheless, this approach ignores the inherent power of guides as initial triggers of travel, especially when they reveal unknown destinations.
Take the example of Christmas markets in Wallonia: many decide to go after seeing a report or reading a themed guide, not a novel.
The guide is not just a post-fiction accessory but often the first concrete step that fosters the desire to visit.