Tourist Experience Research Articles

Establishing the missing link between motivational factors and international tourist intentions for yoga tourism: a perspective from flow experience theory

ABSTRACT Yoga tourism is becoming increasingly popular and relevant among tourists worldwide as people become more concerned about their health and well-being. The study intends to establish the relationship between push and pull motivational factors, flow experience, revisit intention, and intention to recommend in the context of yoga tourism. The respondents were international yoga tourists visiting India (Rishikesh) for yoga and meditation. The study follows a mixed-methods approach. Study 1 explores the push and pull motivation factors derived from the open-ended questionnaires. Study 2 collected responses from 822 international tourists and used structure equation modelling for analysis. As per the findings, the push factor (improved physical endurance) and the pull factor (affordability) have the most significant impact on the flow experience of tourists. Further, the results suggest a considerable effect of flow experience on revisit intention and intention to recommend. The current study provides novel insights into yoga's pull and push motivation drivers, which might benefit Indian yoga tourism by repositioning its marketing approach.

Demographics shaping memorable wellness tourism experiences: A comparative analysis

This study addresses gaps in literature and empirical research by investigating international wellness tourists in Sri Lanka, segmenting them by memorable wellness tourism experiences (MWTE), and analyzing differences in demographics, travel patterns, and preferred wellness activities among these segments. Data were collected from November 2023 to April 2024 using non-probability convenience sampling, yielding 622 valid responses. SPSS software was employed for data analysis, utilizing factor-cluster methods. The findings revealed three distinct clusters: Professional Authentic Value Wellness Seekers, Holistic Enrichment Wellness Seekers, and Serene Aesthetics Wellness Seekers, each characterized by unique preferences and demographic profiles. Majority of respondents were middle-aged, educated, and employed, predominantly female, and primarily from Europe. Popular wellness activities included Ayurveda, spa treatments, and yoga. Substantial differences in demographics, travel patterns, and wellness activity preferences were identified among the clusters. The study’s originality lies in segmenting Sri Lanka’s international wellness tourists by memorable experiences, revealing new insights into demographics, travel patterns, and preferences. It offers profound insights into an underexplored destination, aiding targeted marketing and strategic development in wellness tourism. Additionally, it advances segmentation theory by integrating memorable experiential dimensions and guiding strategic marketing and product development aligned with these identified segments.

Sustainable Weaving: Guano Knotted Carpets as a Tourism Experience Contributing to Territorial Development

Sustainable tourism is a management model that can easily be applied in the territories declared as “Pueblo Mágico”, promoting economic strengthening, as well as opportunities for environmental and cultural preservation, by means of tourism through the use of the historical–cultural characteristics of these territories. One of the main challenges is to find a balance between promoting tourism and conserving intangible cultural heritage. In July 2024, Guano, located in the province of Chimborazo, Ecuador, was re-accredited within the Magical Towns of Ecuador Program. Within this process, one of the main elements to reach this milestone was creating a meaningful tourism experience based on one of the cultural manifestations certified as part of the intangible cultural heritage of Ecuador: the weaving technique used to create Guano knotted carpets. This article examines how this technique was integrated into tourism development by focusing on knowledge transfer and symbolic and historical value, avoiding tourist overexploitation, which can lead to the erosion of traditions and loss of their cultural significance. The methodology used is a participatory action research methodology. This experience not only offers an opportunity for tourists to connect with local culture, but it can also be a driver of sustainable development. By integrating this tradition into a responsible tourism model, economic, social, and environmental benefits can be generated, which strengthen communities and preserve their cultural heritage. To sum up, sustainable tourism in Guano, Ecuador, can balance tourism promotion and cultural heritage preservation, and the integration of the knotted carpet weaving technique as a tourism experience strengthens local identity and generates economic, social, and environmental benefits, promoting sustainable development and avoiding cultural commodification.

Kuliner Lokal Bali sebagai Daya Tarik Wisata: Pengembangan di Candi Tebing Tegallinggah, Gianyar Bali

This study aims to identify the potential of local Balinese cuisine as a tourist attraction at Tebing Tegallinggah Temple, Gianyar, Bali. This temple is a historical site that has great potential to be developed as a cultural-based tourism destination, but currently the use of local cuisine as a tourism element is still not optimal. The method used in this study is a qualitative approach with a descriptive method, through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation with various parties, including visitors, local culinary business actors, and tourism stakeholders. The results of the study show that tourists have a high interest in traditional Balinese cuisine, but there are limitations in terms of facilities, promotion, and coordination between related parties. With the right strategy, such as improving infrastructure, training for business actors, and effective promotion, local cuisine can be integrated more deeply into the tourism experience at Tebing Tegallinggah Temple. This study concludes that the development of local cuisine will not only increase tourist attractions, but also support the preservation of culture and the economic welfare of the local community.

Embracing Virtual Reality in Destination Marketing: A Serial Mediation Model to Investigate the Role of Virtual Tourism Experiences in the Formation of Place Attachment

Technological innovation is important for destination marketing organisations (DMOs) in achieving sustainable destination development. However, few studies have considered the marketing potential of emerging immersive technologies in promoting local destinations, as well as their impacts on tourists’ place attachment. Drawing upon cue consistency and place attachment theory, this study established a serial mediation model to examine the impact of sensory information acquired from online virtual tourism experiences, such as visual and auditory cues, on tourists’ place attachment formation during the post-trip stage. The PLS-SEM approach was adopted to analyse the data, which were collected from 408 respondents via an online survey. The results showed that tourists’ sensory information significantly influenced their virtual attachment and sense of presence. Furthermore, tourists’ perceived information and image consistency significantly influenced their place attachment. In addition, the serial mediation effect among sensory information, cue consistency, and place attachment was confirmed. The theoretical and managerial implications are also discussed.

Indigenous tourism as an instrument to avoid conflicts between Arctic development and indigenous resilience

Over the last decades, tourism has experienced continued growth and deepening diversification to become one of the fastest-growing economic sectors in the Arctic. As a new phenomenon, Indigenous tourism is closely linked to sustainable development and encompasses a growing number of northern indigenous peoples and specific methods of interaction with nature and society. This research aims to focus on indigenous tourism as an effective tool for balancing emerging economies of the Arctic region and sustainable or resilient development of the Arctic aboriginal peoples who have been inhabiting this region for thousands of years. It suggests that Indigenous tourism and activities encompass several tools to prevent conflicts, reach decisions, raise environmental awareness, and teach sustainable values. This idea is relevant for all Arctic states where development is justified mainly by economic perspectives, not indigenous resilience. The topic is also appropriate for the global community because sustainable development is understood as the only possible future where people must correlate economic, environmental and social dimensions and prevent conflicts within those. The paper describes one Arctic region in the Russian Federation – the unique and intriguing Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District. The author believes that this region, with its distinct opportunities and features, is a prime example of how indigenous tourism can be used as an instrument to avoid conflicts, taking into account sustainability factors, guaranteeing the interests of the indigenous population, and expanding the tourist experience towards sustainable values.

Sharing the ocean: fostering blue synergies for sustainable whale-watching

Whale-based tourism activities offer unique opportunities for humans to observe cetaceans in their natural habitats. Well-planned experiences can provide educational value and promote respectful enjoyment of marine wildlife. Conversely, poorly managed activities can negatively impact cetaceans by injuring or killing them (through collisions with boats) or altering their behavior, such as resting time, nursing or diving. This study presents an example of designing and implementing a whale-based tourism activity in the Canary Islands (Spain), with the participation of researchers, whale-watching operators and tour guides, public policy-makers, and civil society, with a strong focus on educational values. The coastal communities are crucial in promoting sustainable whale-watching practices through educational initiatives, community engagement, and stakeholder collaboration. The paper employs a process-monitoring approach to evaluate the whole procedure of whale-watching activity implementation. We assume that the success of any tourism activity depends on the process that leads to its creation. The analysis emphasizes the need for careful planning and execution to design and implement marine tourism experiences. Concerns for tourism satisfaction and safety and the need for environmental sustainability challenge the management of whale-watching operations. In this regard, engaging local communities, addressing safety and conservation concerns, and promoting responsible tourism practices are essential for mitigating these challenges and ensuring the long-term viability of whale watching as a sustainable and educational activity.

Tourist Behavior and Awareness in Airline Voluntary Carbon Offset Programs: A Portuguese Perspective

This study examines the attitudes and behaviors of Portuguese air travelers towards voluntary carbon offset (VCO) programs, with a focus on understanding the motivations and awareness levels that drive offsetting behaviors. An online survey conducted between February 28 and April 30, 2023, gathered responses from 534 Portuguese residents who had traveled by air in the 12-month period prior to completion of the survey The findings reveal that while the decision to participate in VCO programs is primarily driven by a fundamental environmental ethos among offsetters, tourists exhibit limited understanding of these programs and heightened concern about affordability. Notably, the study uncovers a significant cognitive dissociation among tourists, where they often overlook or fail to acknowledge VCO offers. The findings highlight the challenge of integrating sustainability into the leisure tourism experience. This suggests that future research must account for these psychological hurdles when conducting sustainability experiments. Moreover, for sustainability initiatives to be truly effective, they must first address these cognitive barriers and reshape how environmental responsibility is perceived during leisure travel.

생태해설 경험의 상호작용성과 참여자의 사고에 관한 탐색 - 수정된 합의적 질적 연구(CQR-Modified)를 중심으로

This study explored the experiences of tourists participating in an ecological interpretation program at an eco-tourism site. Qualitative data from 97 participants were collected and analyzed. Following the modified consensual qualitative research (CQR-M) procedures, a team of four researchers discussed and agreed on the domain and categories into which the qualitative data were organized. It was found that participants' interpretation program experiences were classified into two domains, five categories, and 14 subcategories. The participants’ experience consisted of their interaction with interpretation program elements and their thinking process that integrated the interaction. Participants interacted directly and sensually with the interpreter, resources, and the environment, and such interaction was reproduced or integrated via cultural and physical activities within the interpretation program. During the interpretation program, participants also interacted with other participants who met for the first time as well as their acquainted companions. Meanwhile, the participants' integrated thinking process included reflective and qualitative thinking. Participants' reflective thinking--which analyzes and infers information delivered by the interpreter using their existing knowledge--was integrated into qualitative thinking that evaluates the quality of the current experience and extends it to the future. This study contributed to an enhanced understanding of the educational aspects of ecological interpretation program experiences. Furthermore, by demonstrating the procedures and application of CQR-M in tourism research, this study can help diversify the approaches used to explore tourism experiences.

Research on the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Museum Exhibition Design

With the rapid development of information technology, artificial intelligence has developed rapidly, and is gradually widely used in all walks of life, which has a profound impact on social development. In the field of museum exhibition design, artificial intelligence also plays a role that cannot be ignored. Relevant designers should pay attention to the role of high-tech in the information age in promoting the development of the museum industry, innovatively introduce artificial intelligence technology, and promote the development of the museum to follow the pace of the time and better cater to the needs of the audience. In this context, this paper will first briefly expound the relevant concepts of artificial intelligence and museum exhibition design, then briefly discuss the application principles of artificial intelligence in museum application in museum exhibition design, and finally explore the relevant application paths, aiming to give full play to the application value of artificial intelligence in museum exhibition design, innovative design direction, and create diversified design forms. To provide visitors with a more novel tour experience, improve the recognition of the museum at the social level, and strengthen its role in cultural construction through scientific and technological means.

EXPRESS: Progress or regress in phenomenological research in tourism?: An epistemological assessment of bibliometric analysis and visualisation tools

Phenomenology has become a popular approach in studying tourism experiences, rising to the forefront of methodological practice in the field. While phenomenological research numbered only in the dozens before the millennium, its application has since expanded to hundreds of studies. This rapid growth not only calls for a meta-analytical examination but also provides an opportunity to assess the suitability of various methodological tools and software for data construction, analysis, and visualisation. This study is the first to critically examine the veracity of potential knowledge claims arising from the use of bibliographic data and VOSviewer by conducting a meta-analysis of phenomenological research in tourism. The results reveal that, despite VOSviewer’s visually appealing imagery, notable epistemological pitfalls exist. The critical insights offered are valuable for navigating the evolving technological and methodological landscape in the field, particularly in understanding tourism experiences.

Wanshou(万寿） Palace at Nanchang : Reproduction of the Past and Consuming history in Modern China

This paper discusses the past reproduction and consuming historical phenomenon of Wanshou(万寿） Palace historical and cultural Block in Nanchang under the background of modern China. Wanshou(万寿）Palace, bearing a historical precipitation of more than 1700 years, is a symbolic cultural landscape of Nanchang. Its restoration and block protection are not only the material reproduction of buildings and blocks, but also the continuation of the cultural and spiritual aspects of Wanshou(万寿） Palace. The research uses the qualitative analysis method to deeply analyze the development process of the Tiezhu Wanshou（铁柱万寿） Palace, the architectural art characteristics and the concept and practice of modern China heritage protection. It is found that the Wanshou(万寿） Palace historical and cultural block, through the mutual support and cooperation of the Nanchang municipal government, scholars and the community, has profound practical significance for the reproduction of the past history and consuming history. Effectively combine Wanshou(万寿） Palace culture with modern consumption to provide an immersive cultural experience for citizens and tourists. However, the behavior of consuming history in the process of cultural heritage protection has a two-sided nature. People need to pay attention to the authenticity of culture in the process of protecting historical heritage and inheriting cultural value. This study provides practical planning suggestions and impact assessment for the historical and cultural construction and the sustainable development mode of cultural tourism in Nanchang, and provides valuable classics for the protection of historical heritage and the integration of historical reproduction and modern consumption in other cities.

Integrasi Inovasi Digital, Kearifan Lokal dan Peran Pemerintah dalam Membangun Pariwisata Berkelanjutan di Kalimantan Utara

This study focuses on integrating digital innovation, local wisdom, and the role of government in developing sustainable tourism in North Kalimantan. Sustainable tourism development is vital to balance economic growth, environmental conservation, and socio-cultural sustainability. Through literature analysis and case study evaluation, this study identifies the potential of tourist villages, digital tourism innovation, and the role of local wisdom in strengthening tourism appeal in this region. The study results indicate that digital innovation such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and mobile applications can improve tourism experiences and bring exciting new possibilities for local community involvement. In addition, the role of the government in providing policies, infrastructure, and local community empowerment programs is critical in supporting this integration. This study concludes that the synergy between digital innovation, local wisdom, and government policies can create a sustainable tourism ecosystem, increase tourist visits, and promote cultural and environmental preservation in North Kalimantan. Recommended development strategies include the development of an integrated digital platform, local community training, collaboration in events and promotions, implementation of conservation practices, and strengthening the role of local government.

The Role of Single Landscape Elements in Enhancing Landscape Aesthetics and the Sustainable Tourism Experience: A Case Study of Leisure Furniture

The Role of Single Landscape Elements in Enhancing Landscape Aesthetics and the Sustainable Tourism Experience: A Case Study of Leisure Furniture

Creating authentic indigenous tourism experiences

As Indigenous tourism gains momentum worldwide, tourists are increasingly seeking authentic Indigenous experiences. Authenticity in Indigenous tourism stems from Indigenous people's unique worldview of the connection between humans and nature. However, little is known about what prompts Indigenous peoples to develop authentic and meaningful tourism experiences. This conceptual study explores the role played by the autonomous motivation of Indigenous tourism business owners in the creation, negotiation, and delivery of authentic experiences. Informed by self-determination theory, this paper discusses a continuum of motivation within an Indigenous tourism context and shows how various forms of motivation contribute to the creation of authentic tourism experiences. Place relatedness is identified as a pivotal determinant in Indigenous people's autonomous motivation to engage in tourism activities.

Building the future of rural-based wellness tourism: Infrastructure and policy considerations for rural Thailand

Rural-based wellness tourism presents a unique opportunity for sustainable economic development in Thailand, particularly in regions rich with natural and cultural resources. The significance of this study lies in its focus on addressing the gap in understanding how rural-based wellness tourism can be supported through infrastructure development and policy frameworks. While wellness tourism has been extensively studied in urban settings, there is a clear need for research that examines the unique attributes of rural wellness destinations, particularly in Thailand, where rich cultural heritage and natural landscapes provide a strong foundation for wellness tourism development. This study examines the key attributes of rural-based wellness tourism destinations, emphasizing how infrastructure development and policy frameworks can support their sustainable growth. Quantitative method using structured questionnaire is the primary research tool. Using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), six core attributes—Uniqueness, Facilities, Activities, Attractions, Natural Setting, and Wellness Therapy—were identified as critical components that shape tourist experiences and drive destination success and validates them using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The article highlights the vital role of infrastructure, such as transportation and wellness facilities, in enhancing the accessibility and appeal of rural destinations. Additionally, policy considerations are explored, focusing on environmental protection, community-based tourism, and investment incentives that encourage the sustainable development of wellness tourism in rural Thailand. A proposed model integrates these attributes with infrastructure and policy measures, offering practical recommendations for stakeholders to promote rural-based wellness tourism that fosters local economic growth while preserving natural and cultural heritage. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of how rural wellness tourism destinations can be developed to meet the evolving needs of modern travelers and support long-term sustainable tourism strategies.

Examining the impact of joint brand advertising on perceived destination brand authenticity

Meeting visitors’ demand for authentic tourism experiences is challenging, but joint brand advertising can enhance the perceived authenticity of destination brands, making them more appealing and trustworthy. Drawing on signalling theory and using an experimental approach, this research examines the impact of joint (vs. single) brand advertising on the perceived authenticity of a destination brand and tourists’ behavioural intentions toward that destination. Additionally, the study explores whether tourists’ regulatory focus moderates these effects. A field experiment using the Google Display Network (n1 = 663,704 impressions) and two online experiments (n2 = 166, n3 = 248) indicate that joint brand advertising featuring an authentic partner brand has a positive influence on the perceived authenticity of relatively less authentic brands and the associated behavioural intentions. Nevertheless, these positive effects dissipate when tourists exhibit a weak prevention orientation.

Tourism experiences and healthy aging: extending the successful aging model

PurposeThe surge in the older population has gained significant interest within the tourism sector worldwide. Little empirical research has been conducted to examine the role of tourism experiences on older adults’ healthy aging. Based on Rowe and Kahn’s (1987) successful aging model, this study utilized a qualitative approach to examine the health benefits that tourism can play for seniors.Design/methodology/approachA total of 19 interviews were conducted with senior adults living in Macau aged over 60. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis.FindingsThe results demonstrate that the tourism experience contributes to healthy aging in three ways: first, nature-based tourism benefits seniors’ physical health; second, the social interactions with friends, relatives, locals and fellow travelers during tourism activities benefit seniors' emotional well-being and third, transcendent tourism experiences can exhibit positive spirituality among seniors.Originality/valueThis paper not only enriches the theoretical and empirical studies on tourism and healthy aging but also puts forward relevant empirical suggestions to destination marketing organizations that target the senior tourist market.

Enter stage right: best practices in narrative staging of authenticity in literary tourism

ABSTRACT The paper addresses two current issues in tourism. First, it explores recent developments in the particular sector of literary tourism, second, it investigates the relevance of authenticity for managers of literary destinations. Whilst tourism scholarship has abundantly identified authenticity as a key factor in the evaluation of the literary tourist experience, most academic approaches conceptualise authenticity from the visitor point of view. This paper explores concrete tools for practitioners to implement authenticity in literary destinations. It adopts the analytical lens of authenticity production by showing that authenticity can be staged through narrative processes. The methodology is grounded on a qualitative research design that encompasses empirical data from 32 literary sites in Germany and France. The results allow for the modelisation of authenticity issues as Authenticity Staging Matrix (ASM), aggregating immaterial and material forms of narrative staging through a diversity of texts, media, and communicative situations. The model provides valuable managerial cues for the planning and implementation of authenticity in literary destination marketing. Thus, the study augments extant scholarship on literary tourism and authenticity conceptualisations by supplementing practical tools to destination managers to satisfy the growing demand for authentic literary tourist experiences.

Tourist eXperience Considering Cultural Factors: A Systematic Literature Review

This article examines Tourist eXperience (TX) and cultural factors from the perspective of Customer eXperience (CX). TX is understood to be the interactions with and responses of tourists to the products, systems, and services provided by organizations they engage with before, during, and after their trip, which significantly impact their experience and thus their satisfaction and loyalty. Considering cultural factors allows us to understand how the values and beliefs of tourists and their destinations relate to and affect TX. Based on this understanding, this research conducted an exhaustive review of the literature in the databases of Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct from 2012 to 2024, identifying 45 publications directly related to the following research questions: (1) What is TX? (2) What dimensions/attributes/factors influence TX? (3) What methods are used to evaluate TX? (4) How is culture analyzed in TX? We found a holistic definition of TX that corresponds to a subjective perception developed before, during, and after the trip, influenced by both the tourist’s culture and the destination. The most used evaluation methods for data collection were questionnaires/surveys and interviews. Additionally, it is important to understand the significance of culture in TX, as cultural clashes can generate both positive and negative perceptions in tourists.