Memorable Experiences Research Articles

Innovating for retention: strategies for enhancing customer retention in theme parks

ABSTRACT Customer retention holds strategic importance in securing a vital competitive edge for theme park businesses. This study examines the role of different types of motivated consumer innovativeness (Hedonic, Functional, Social, and Cognitive) on memorable experiences and their effect on customer retention. The moderating effect of perceived safety on this relationship is also explored. We designed a conceptual model based on Consumer Innovativeness and broaden-and-build theories. Data were collected from 503 tourists at three renowned theme parks in India using a non-probabilistic sampling method. The results show a significant influence of types of consumer innovativeness on creating memorable tourism experiences, significantly affecting customer retention. Notably, perceived safety played a positive moderating role. This study discusses results across age (young /old) and gender (Male/Female) with theoretical implications that could also contribute meaningful insights to marketers, government bodies, and corporations involved in leisure tourism.

Exploring the Impact of Experience Science on Africa Development Application on Hospitality & Tourism

This paper delves into the core principles of Experience Science and its pivotal role in refining and enhancing tourism and hospitality, particularly within the African context. At its heart, experience science prioritizes the user, crafting experiences that resonate deeply on a personal level through emotional engagement and multi-sensory interactions. Data analytics, behavioral insights, and emerging technologies like VR, AR, and AI play a crucial role in creating tailored, immersive experiences. Focusing on the application within African tourism and hospitality, the paper reviews classical development vs. Possible ‘Experience Science’ tools. It suggests how integrating experience science can address the unique challenges and opportunities of the African continent. It highlights the necessity of infrastructure development, marketing, sustainability, and capacity building while emphasizing the transformative potential of a holistic, experience-driven approach. In discussing the work of Chen et al. (2024), the paper explores the dynamic interplay between consumer demands, the sensory dimension of tourism, and the multidisciplinary nature of experience science. It argues for the significance of personalization, emotional connection, and interactive technologies in developing a competitive and sustainable tourism and hospitality sector in Africa. The conclusion underscores the limitations of traditional development approaches and posits experience science as a vibrant pathway to enriching Africa's tourism and hospitality landscape. By fostering memorable and meaningful experiences, it envisions a future where tourism not only contributes to economic growth but also to the cultural and environmental stewardship of the continent.

Influence of Virtual Learning Environments on Student Achievement for Sustainable Development

As a result of the global pandemic, in-person lecture delivery method was interrupted and thus, the necessitated adoption of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) for the continuity of learning. However, considering that architectural education is hands-on and field-dependent, continuous design studio mentoring is expedient. This study therefore explored the potential of adopting VLE, especially in hands-on related disciplines and how this fosters student achievement in driving sustainable development. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyse quantitative data gathered from a randomly selected sample of architecture students representing three private universities in Nigeria. Findings from this research revealed that learning continued during the lockdown within the subject discipline. Notably, 86.6% of respondents utilized virtual meeting software like Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Cisco WebEx, while 12.4% utilized Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Moodle. Additionally, accessible facilities like comfortable study areas, a steady power supply, internet connectivity, and studio materials contributed to a successful VLE experience. This research strongly advocates for the continuation of hybrid learning in architectural education, combining physical and virtual modes to deliver enriching and memorable learning experiences to enhance education for sustainable development.

Design research experiment for convertibility architecture based on seasonal sport tournament

Sport is a part of the entertainment industry that is entirely in demand by the public. The relationship between fans as spectators and athletes in a sports match can’t be separated from the spatial role of architecture as space for interaction. The presence of architecture is not only as a supporting functional aspect in the form of sports arena buildings, but architecture also has a role to provide memorable experiences to users through interactions in sporting events or tournaments. In this research, the factors and principles that influence the quality of the sportscape consisting of functional and user aspects will be implemented into an architectural design. In the process to create a sportscape, the framework used is based on Concept-Based Framework with adaptable architecture as the design approach. The method applied are versatile and convertible which are two detailed parts of adaptable architecture that discuss the spatial changes of use and space. So, the result of the design can be presented in the form of sport facility with the application of spatial convertibility to accommodate several types of indoor sports that can be converted into several spatial form to provide a different atmosphere and experience in the same spatial space.

CO-CREATION ACTIVITY AS MODERATOR IN THE DESTINATION BRAND ATTACHMENT MODEL TOWARDS CUSTOMER INTENTION TO REVISIT DESTINATION IN INDONESIA AND TIMOR LESTE

This research aims to develop the model by testing and analyzing: 1) the impact of perceived quality towards destination brand attachment; 2) the impact of destination brand attachment towards memorable customer experience; 3) the impact of memorable customer experience towards intention to revisit the destination; and 4) the impact of destination brand attachment towards intention to revisit the destination. 5) whether co-creation activity becomes a moderator for the influence of memorable customer experiences on the intention to revisit the destination. This research uses a sample of respondents who visited hospitality locations in Indonesia and Timor-Leste. The sampling method is purposive sampling, and the characteristics of the respondents are youths who have visited the hospitality locations, whose age range is between 20 and 40 years old, and who have visited at least three times within the last three months. The respondents are 175 people from Indonesia and 75 people from Timor-Leste. This research is essential because: 1) the findings from this research are expected to support the development of knowledge by adding new literature that can be used as a reference for other researchers who want to do further research, especially regarding destination brand attachment; 2) this research is expected to be able to benefit entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry. Hopefully, this research can offer them new points of view as considerations for making decisions or strategies for developing their places. The findings of this research are: Hypotheses 1 to 4 show significant results: activity co-creation becomes a moderator that strengthens the influence of memorable customer experience towards intention to revisit destination in Indonesia, while co-creation activity does not become a moderator that strengthens the influence of memorable customer experience towards intention to revisit destination in Timor Leste.

Impact of Corporate Volunteers’ Participation in Volunteer Tourism

Sustainable development has become the focus and goal of governments around the world. In the past, economic development was the primary goal, which has caused serious environmental and social problems and has threatened the safety of mankind and its descendants. The "United Nations Sustainable Development Goals" is a project that companies have been paying much attention to with the environment with social, and governance (ESG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) new trends. The development of corporate volunteers has become a key factor in the success of corporate social responsibility. Therefore, business operators must understand accurately how to strengthen the positive connection between corporate volunteers and brand attachment. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship model between corporate volunteers in Taiwan participating in volunteer tourism, experience value, and brand attachment. We used a purposeful non-probability sampling procedure at a 95% confidence interval and a sampling error of 0.5% (n = 388). Data collection tools included structured questionnaires distributed both online and on paper, targeting individuals who had participated as corporate volunteers and completed domestic volunteer travel. The results indicated that both older and younger corporate volunteers in Taiwan were involved and had profound travel experience in volunteer tourism. Older corporate volunteers exhibited a stronger brand attachment. The current workplace in Taiwan is dominated by middle-aged employees, providing volunteer tourism activities with their expertise. Volunteers tend to engage in a meaningful experience deeply while ensuring that young volunteers value motivation and benefits. Additionally, corporate volunteers found happiness, relaxation, and satisfaction in volunteer tourism activities. The most memorable experiences that influence corporate participation in volunteer tourism are related to local culture and novelty factors.

Examining the duality of Immersive Artificial Intelligence AI in the Luxury Hospitality Sector : Understanding How Immersive AI Influences Consumer distinction and Adds Value to Luxury Experiences

This study examines the duality of immersive artificial intelligence AI in the luxury hospitality sector,focusing on how immersive AI influences consumer distinction and adds value to luxury experiences.Through a comprehensive review of literature, key findings and insights are synthesized to provide a holistic understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with the integration of immersive AI technologies, including virtual reality VR, augmented reality AR, and personalized AI assistants, in luxury hospitality. The analysis reveals that immersive AI holds significant promise for luxury brands to enhance guest engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty by offering personalized, memorable experiences that resonate with discerning consumers. However, the adoption and implementation of immersive AI also present challenges, including concerns around authenticity, human connection, data privacy, security, and ethical implications. By prioritizing authenticity, transparency, innovation, sustainability, diversity, data driven optimization, and customer centricity, luxury brands can unlock the full potential of immersive AI to create truly differentiated and memorable experiences for discerning consumers. This study highlights the need for further research and practice to address gaps and limitations in understanding the long term impacts of immersive AI, factors influencing guest acceptance and adoption, emerging trends and challenges, ethical considerations, economic viability, operational challenges, and the impact on the employee experience. By addressing these gaps, researchers and practitioners can advance knowledge and inform strategies for effective and responsible implementation of immersive AI in luxury hospitality, thereby shaping the future of luxury experiences in the digital age.

Memorable Tourist Experience and its Impact on Tourist Engagement

Memorable Tourist Experience and its Impact on Tourist Engagement

Transformative Experiences: Exploring the Role of Experience Facilitators

ABSTRACT This paper presents a theoretical framework, which identifies the roles and competencies a transformative experience facilitator (TEF) requires to guide and contribute to human transformation. A qualitative research design rooted in the tour guide’s Experience Broker framework and phases of memorable tourist experiences was used to conduct 31 in-depth interviews with TEF experts, followed by a thematic template analysis. The analysis revealed a novel theoretical framework of TEFs including their shaping role with seven accesses, further nuanced with nine categories of competencies. This study contributes a transformative experience guiding model for a variety of practitioners, opens a new avenue of research into the providers’ perspective in the field of human transformation, and contributes to a better understanding of the distinct TEF’s role.

Assessment of Users’ Satisfaction Levels in Selected Hotels in Lagos State, Nigeria

The blooming hospitality industry in Nigeria, particularly in major states like Lagos, has witnessed a surge in hotel construction. Ensuring the success and sustainability of hotels hinges on assessing guest satisfaction levels, taking into account the impact of the built environment on the overall experience. Elements such as architecture, design, amenities, and ambience significantly contribute to guest satisfaction. This study aims to assess user satisfaction in hotel-built environments, focusing on functionality, building quality, aesthetics, and hotel atmospherics. It employs a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, conducting case studies on selected 5-star hotels in Lagos State. Questionnaires, addressing demographics, frequency of hotel facility use, satisfaction levels, and impact assessment of various hotel elements, were distributed. Statistical measures, including frequency, mean, and standard deviation, were employed for data analysis. The assessment of user satisfaction in selected Lagos State hotels revealed nuanced insights. While parking facilities and room size received moderate to high satisfaction levels, opinions on aesthetic design and interior decor varied. Impact analysis highlighted the significant influence of spatial layout, ventilation, and infrastructure quality on user satisfaction. The findings stress the importance of targeted improvements in specific architectural elements to enhance user satisfaction. Recommendations include a strategic focus on refining parking facilities and room layouts, along with continuous improvements in aesthetic design and interior decor. By tailoring improvements to specific architectural elements based on guest expectations, hotels can contribute to a more gratifying and memorable guest experience in Lagos State.

Spotlight on festival travellers: Profiles, Motivations, and Experiences of Dieng Culture Festival Travellers, Indonesia

The study found a change in the motivation of visitors to the festival. This study aims to identify visitors' memorable experiences related to tourist attractions at the Dieng Culture Festival, held from 2020 to 2022. The research was conducted using a quantitative-interpretative approach, with research instruments designed to determine visitors' profiles, purposes, and experiences. The sample size consisted of 398 respondents and 5 key informants. The research methodology involved data collection through online surveys and in-depth interviews with key informants. The research findings are presented below. Based on the respondents' characteristics, it can be inferred that most visitors to the Dieng Culture Festival are over 20 years old. The primary purpose of their visit was to experience and participate in the jazz music performances held above the clouds, as indicated by 271 respondents (67.9%). The most prominent attendees are private employees, with 143 respondents (38.5%), followed by students. Notably, 321 respondents (80.5%) learned about the Dieng Culture Festival online. The gender of visitors is dominated by women, with 177 (44.4%) male respondents, while the number of female respondents is 222 (55.6%). Jazz music above the clouds is a memorable programme because it represents visitors' needs. The commodification of the Ruwatan procession of cutting dreadlocks is needed to increase the impression for visitors and strengthen the image of local cultural recognition.

Memorable tourism experience of heritage-local food on tourist behavior: Mediating role of destination image and satisfaction

The primary purpose of this research is to find out how memorable tourism experiences influence revisit intention and recommendation intention of tourists who have visited to enjoy historical tourism and taste Rajamangsa local cuisine in Kebondalem Kidul Cultural Tourism Village, with destination image and satisfaction as mediating factors. This research uses a quantitative and descriptive-analytical approach, using a 5-point Likert scale for measurement. Non-probability sampling, specifically judgment sampling, was used to collect primary data. The sample consisted of 245 tourist respondents who had visited to enjoy historical tourism and taste Rajamangsa local cuisine in Kebondalem Kidul Cultural Tourism Village. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS 3.2.9 was used as the analysis tool. The findings of this study indicate that memorable tourism experiences directly influence destination image, travel satisfaction, local food tasting, and revisit intention when visiting Kebondalem Kidul Cultural Tourism Village. In addition, destination image travel satisfaction and local food tasting partially mediate between memorable tourism experiences and revisit intention and fully mediate between memorable tourism experiences and recommendation intention of tourists in cultural tourism destinations. This research highlights the positive impact of memorable tourism experiences on revisit intentions, destination perceptions, and traveller satisfaction. The practical implications are significant for tourism management in increasing satisfaction and building a positive destination image. However, this study has limitations regarding location coverage and online data collection methods. Future research must consider geographic variation, data collection methods, and other factors influencing tourism experiences.

Ignorance is not always bliss: A qualitative study of young adults' experiences with being ghosted

AbstractGhosting, or ignoring someone to end a relationship, is often considered a harmful aspect of growing digital connectivity. However, research on ghosting has focused on the experiences of European/European Americans in romantic contexts. Thus, we broadly explored experiences of being ghosted among 29 undergraduates primarily from underrepresented populations (75.9% Latinx, 6.9% Asian, 6.9% Black) in the United States. We conducted face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews regarding general experiences with being ghosted, a memorable experience of being ghosted, and attitudes toward ghosting. Inductive thematic analysis yielded eight themes surrounding the process of being ghosted (Sensing Shifts in Communication Patterns), ghosting attributions (Unreciprocated Feelings, Incompatibility), responses to ghosting (Stages of Grief, Various Coping Methods, Lost Respect for Ghoster, Insight from Experiencing Both Sides), and ghosting attitudes (Good Reasons). Future research might examine the role of both individual (e.g., cultural values) and situational (e.g., ghosting circumstance) factors in various trajectories of ghosting responses, as well as the psychological consequences of these trajectories.

Development of SMART tourism: international and regional aspects

Information technology is used in all spheres of life, rendering it indispensable to human activities. In present times, SMART technologies have become a routine reality, aiding in processing large volumes of information, enhancing work efficiency, improving people's lives, and protecting the environment. Unfortunately, Ukraine lags significantly behind technologically advanced countries in the use of innovative technologies in all sectors of the economy, including tourism. Despite its favorable geographical location, mild climate, significant recreational and healing resources, many historical landmarks, and natural sites, Ukraine has yet to unlock its full potential in the tourism industry. Implementing intelligent technologies presents new opportunities to expand Ukraine's tourism industry and the influx of travelers seeking a memorable experience. Consequently, further research in the technological field and the development and integration of cutting-edge technologies throughout various economic sectors is necessary to analyze results. The article analyzes intelligent technologies in developed countries and Ukrainian cities that have already implemented such technologies. Based on research findings, recommendations are made for deploying innovative technologies in the tourism sector of Ukrainian cities with notable tourism potential. The main objective of this research is to analyze the implementation of SMART technologies in daily life to restore Ukraine's economy and competitiveness of the tourism industry in the post-war period and enhance the environmental situation and safe surroundings while offering greater convenience to citizens. Adopting SMART technologies will uplift Ukraine's tourism industry to a superior level and facilitate competition with advanced countries. Keywords: SMART tourism, information technologies, tourism, tourism industry, SMART technologies, innovations.

Kontribusi Fun dalam Memediasi Pengaruh Memorable Tourism Experience terhadap Revisit Intention Wisatawan Sari Ater Hot Spring Kabupaten Subang Jawa Barat

The aim of this research is to examine the influence of memorable tourism experiences on revisit intention, mediated by tourists' fun at Sari Ater Hot Springs, Subang Regency. 120 experienced visitors to Sari Ater Hot Springs participated in this study, conducted through a cross-sectional method or a one-time data collection. The instruments have undergone validity and reliability tests by examining convergent validity, discriminant validity, and composite reliability through outer model measurements. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS version 3.0. Out of thirteen research hypotheses, eleven of them were supported by empirical data. Findings indicate that memorable tourism experiences positively influence fun, while fun, hedonism, and aesthetics positively impact revisit intention. Moreover, fun serves as a mediator between fun, meaningfulness, and aesthetics towards revisit intention. These findings are expected to contribute to future research and stakeholders in the tourism industry in designing relevant strategies to enhance the quality of these attributes.

Peran Kritis Tourist Engagement dalam Meningkatkan Revisit Intention Wisatawan Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

The aim of this research is to examine the influence of destination image, tourist engagement, and destination attributes on revisit intention through the memorable tourist experience of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah tourists. A total of 150 respondents who had experience visiting Taman Mini Indonesia Indah participated in this research. The cross-sectional or one shot method is used to obtain data. The research instrument has been declared to have passed the validity and reliability tests. The data analysis technique used is structural equation modeling (SEM) using Smart-PLS version 3.0. Of the ten proposed research hypotheses, nine of them have a positive influence. Destination image, tourist engagement, and destination attributes have a direct and indirect influence on revisit intention. The addition of destination attribute variables as a consequence of revisit intention is a development of the conceptual model in previous research.

Antecedents of memorable heritage tourism experiences: an application of stimuli–organism–response theory

Purpose Based on stimulus-organism-response theory, this study aims to develop and tests a model of memorable heritage tourism experience (MHTE). The model proposes that experiencescape, experience co-creation, education and photography are important antecedents of MHTE, which is then a driver of place attachment. Design/methodology/approach Data for this study were collected using a Web-based questionnaire of people aged 18 years and over who had a heritage tourism experience during the previous three months (February–April 2023). The survey was distributed in May 2023 using Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk). A survey link was posted on MTurk, which remained active for the first week of May 2023. Out of the 283 responses received, 272 were valid responses from individuals who met the participation criteria. Findings Experiencescape, experience co-creation, education and photography were found to be positive drivers of the MHTE, with a positive relationship between MHTE and place attachment. Originality/value Many studies linked to memorable tourism experience (MTE) mainly replicate Kim, Ritchie, & McCormick’s (2012) MTE scale, regardless of the specific study context. This study offers an alternative framework through which alternative antecedents and outcomes of tourists’ MTE can be identified.

Influence of memorable tourism experience on attitude towards pilgrimage: a moderated-mediation model with memorable religious experience and religiosity

PurposeThe study investigates the mediated moderation impact of Memorable Religious Experience (MRE) and Religiosity (REL) on the relationship between Memorable Tourism Experience (MTE) and Attitude towards Pilgrimage (ATT) finally driving Recommend Intention (RCI) of visitors to a religious site. It suggests visitors' incentive variable religiosity can influence their decision to recommend visiting a religious destination.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses a quantitative cross-sectional approach wherein a self-administered survey was used for data collection from 223 pilgrims who visited a popular pilgrimage site. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed for analysis.FindingsThe results showed that MTE has a significant influence on ATT which further influences RCI (a dimension of behavioral intention-BI) of visitors towards a religious destination. Further, MRE mediates the relationship between MTE and ATT. Nevertheless, REL illustrated a significant moderation influence on the relationship between MRE and ATT, further verifying the mediated moderation impact of MRE and REL in the model.Practical implicationsRecommendation of existing customers is one of the most powerful indicators of customer loyalty and usually leads to revisit. The research provides destination managers/tourism planners of pilgrimage sites to formulate appropriate marketing strategies to develop RCI and sustainable branding.Originality/valueThis study adds to the empirical studies conducted on REL by constructing a composite picture of the memorable tourism experience within a pilgrimage tourism context. The uniqueness lies in the attempt to investigate the mediated moderation impact of MRE and REL using a symmetric (PLS-SEM) approach.

MTEs and revisit intention: The mediating role of destination attachment and sharing experiences on social media

The study aims to investigate the role of destination attachment and sharing travel experiences on social media in the relationship between memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) and revisit intention. This study focused on Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, with limited research on predicting tourists’ intentions to revisit this destination. The self-administered questionnaire survey is applied to analyze the relationship between the variables and verify the hypotheses based on the collected 578 valid responses. The structural equation modeling was employed to test the relationships in the research model with SPSS 24.0 and SmartPLS 4.0. The results show that MTEs significantly and directly influence tourists’ intention to revisit a destination. MTEs also have a direct impact on destination attachment and sharing travel experiences on social media. Furthermore, the findings also prove that destination attachment and sharing travel experiences on social media directly affect revisit intention. It is worth noting that they act as intermediaries in the relationship between MTEs and tourists’ intentions to revisit a destination. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of tourists’ intentions to revisit and offers theoretical and practical implications.

A Dining Experience Case Study for Hospitality Management Teaching and Learning

Case study as a teaching method has proven to be a mind stimulating technique that allows students to test different scenarios and to critically analyze practical incidents widening their knowledge perspective. Instructors achieve many goals through the application of such method where they enhance students learning by linking theory to practice in a cooperative environment based on team work, opinion sharing, and discussion. The aim of the current study is to demonstrate, analyze, and interpret a real dining experience case in order to be used in teaching by hospitality management instructors. This case as simple as it seems is a possible outcome of any service encounter. Its implications are profound on the organization image and guest loyalty. An experience that deviates away from its optimum scenario or ends with an unrecovered faulty service can render damages beyond just losing customers, to compensations, and even to law suits. It is an opportunity for hospitality management students to learn how to evade service failures, create successful memorable guest experiences, and to apply critical thinking techniques.