I understand the idea that fiction can ignite the spark of travel, but isn't it a bit quick to relegate travel guides to mere logistical tools for the already convinced traveler?
It's a somewhat restrictive view, because a travel guide can very well be the primary source of inspiration.
For many, flipping through a guide with its vibrant photos and detailed descriptions is what prompts them to consider a destination first, well before a film or a book talks about it.
For example, I know people who decided to explore the Yukon after seeing images of landscapes and activity descriptions in a Ulysse guide, with no fictional reference at the start.