Tourists’ engagement in cultural attractions: an exploratory study of psychological and behavioural engagement in indigenous tourism

Abstract

This research explores international tourists’ engagement with Māori indigenous tourist attractions in New Zealand. In-depth interviews with 18 international tourists were conducted after their visits to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Northland, New Zealand. The findings revealed clear evidence of some general engagement behaviours such as spending time and enjoyment which led visitors into deeper levels of behavioural and psychological engagement. The behavioural engagement occurred in two primary forms which are taking photos for a range of personal and impersonal purposes as well as conversation with staff. Also, three forms of psychological engagement were found, including engagement with cultural aspects, imagination, and learning. The perception of the authenticity and uniqueness of the attraction were important precursors to tourist behavioural and psychological engagement.