Tourist experience, image, security and cultural centres

Abstract

Goal and objectives of the dissertationGoalThe general goal of this dissertation is to analyse tourist experience through perceived risk and the studied destinationscultural offerings.ObjectivesThis dissertation aims to satisfy the following objectives:* To propose a methodology for creating a destination tourist experience (matrix of tourist experience).* To identify the dimensions of risk and perceived risk weighted for each dimension, as well as factors to mitigate the perceived risk at the destination.* To link the cultural image of the attractions at the destination with the destination's general image through the tourist experience.* To analyse the tourist experience under a multidimensional concept, integrating the environmental aspect.* To establish a model that integrates cultural and environmental identity in a perceived image.* To integrate motivational segments in satisfaction and image on cultural experience.MethodologyThis doctoral dissertation consists of three different areas of field work. Due to characteristics of the items and the objectives described above, two of the field work studies employed a Structural Equation Model (SEM) to test the hypothesis and the third field work study employed an Ordinal Logit Model. Each abstract explains the methodology used.ResultsThe dissertation begins with an exhaustive analysis of the tourist experience. It summarizes the key elements of a tourist experience and exposes them through a methodological application schema (the Matrix of Tourist Experience (Figure 1)), integrating destination management perspective and tourist perspective. It is important to design a memorable experience which requires a dual approach: from the perspective of destination management, and from the consumer.Destination management perspective.A tourist's image of a destination is constructed based on a real reference made by the economic and sociocultural physical space characteristics of the target destination. It is also based on the environmental characteristics of the target destination. On that basis, entire tourist imagery is articulated in order to mask the most unpleasant experiences while recreating and idealising the more interesting aspects of the destination.Tourist perspective.As experiences are very subjective, a significant positive experience can never be guaranteed. However, ideal conditions may be created to recreate meaningfully positive experiences.Theoretical studies often do not provide an operational tool to implement the design of experiments. A matrix for experience design is a practical tool we propose to analyse, understand and design the elements of a memorable experience. This matrix integrates destination management perspective and tourist perspective.Furthermore this work makes significant contributions on the topic of security in tourist destinations. We examine the perceived risk influence on a destination's image and on a tourist's future intention (Figure 2). Several hypotheses were proposed to analyse the perceived risk effect through its different dimensions on overall image and futures intentions. Hypotheses were also proposed to analyse the destination image effect on the futures intentions.This work also analyses the relationship between a perceived image versus the actual tourist experience in a natural and cultural heritage destination (Figure 3). An analysis of natural heritage as a multidimensional concept (cognitive, affective and environmental) is proposed. Among the proposed hypothesis we emphasise the analysis of the visitor's experience on his or her trip satisfaction and the effect each experience has on an existing destination image.Finally, this work examines differences in tourists' motivations and the impact of these differences to destination image and visitor satisfaction. Visitorsmotivations contribute to the perception of museum image and visitorssatisfaction. …