Memorable Tourism Experiences Research Articles

Why I revisit a historic town in Chengdu? Roles of cognitive image, affective image and memorable tourism experiences

Why I revisit a historic town in Chengdu? Roles of cognitive image, affective image and memorable tourism experiences

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.

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.

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.

The Role of Tourist Experience in Shaping Memorable Tourism Experiences and Behavioral Intentions

The Role of Tourist Experience in Shaping Memorable Tourism Experiences and Behavioral Intentions

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.

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.

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.

The Memorable Experience in Tourism: the case of the Beto Carrero World Theme Park (SC, Brazil)

A memorable tourism experience corresponds to the memories retained in the tourist’s memory based on the individual experiences perceived during all the phases of a trip to a particular destination. Theme parks are tourist attractions designed with a thematic identity that allows visitors to escape from routine and are based on offering a different world with alternative experiences that can become unforgettable. In this context, this study aimed to analyze the influence of memorable tourism experiences from the Beto Carrero World theme park perspective in Penha-SC, Brazil. This research was conducted using data collected from 680 tourist visitors to the park, using a questionnaire comprising 27 variables that are part of the memorable tourism experience constructs: hedonism, novelty, renewal, meaning, involvement, knowledge, and social interaction. The data was analyzed based on sociodemographic characteristics and multivariate analysis using SPSS and SmartPLS software. The results made it possible to identify a new proposal for a conceptual model to evaluate the meaning of memorable experiences in theme parks and positively confirmed the influence between the memorable tourism experience and each firstorder construct, revealing that immersive hedonism and perceived meaning had the most significant impact on the memorable tourism experience in the theme park.

Accessing vicarious nostalgia and memorable tourism experiences in the context of heritage tourism with the moderating influence of social return

Purpose Heritage tourism is an increasingly popular form of tourism that allows individuals to connect with the past and immerse themselves in cultural and historical narratives. Hence, the purpose of this study is to explore the intricate relationships among vicarious nostalgia (VNOS), memorable tourism experiences (MTEXs) and their collective influence on tourists’ behavioral intentions (BINTs). Additionally, this study examines the moderating effect of social return (SN) in the context of heritage tourism. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire from 259 tourists visiting heritage sites in Jaipur. The proposed model was tested using structural equation modeling. Findings The results confirmed that VNOS had a significant positive impact on BINT in the context of heritage tourism. The causal relationship between VNOS and BINT was fully mediated by MTEX. The results further verified that the presence of SN strengthens the association between MTEXs and BINT. Practical implications This research will guide the firms associated with heritage tourism to target specific cohorts interested in heritage tourism. Policymakers may find it easier to create unique offerings and packages that appeal to visitors interested in historical sites and produce memorable travel experiences. One key implication is to create “social media friendly spaces” at different locations of the sites. To increase tourism, managers may use the findings from this research to create plans for the ethical promotion and protection of cultural and natural heritage sites. Originality/value Overall, this research advances the understanding of the role of VNOS in heritage tourism by elucidating its cognitive and emotional aspects and their subsequent influence on the memorability of tourist experiences and BINT s. Additionally, by considering the moderating effect of SN, this study provides a comprehensive view of how these factors collectively shape tourists’ decisions and actions in the context of heritage destinations. This research has been conducted in the heritage city of Jaipur (North-Western India), which, surprisingly – despite its popularity as a heritage tourism site – has not been sufficiently explored in the scholarly research.

The soundscape and tourism experience in rural destinations: an empirical investigation from Shawan Ancient Town

Rural tourism is becoming more valued by different tourist destinations along with the expansion of its market, especially, ancient town tourism, as one of the special rural tourism destinations, has become popular in recent years. This study aims to take Shawan ancient town as a case to comprehend the role of soundscape perceptions in affecting both flow experience and memorable tourism experience and further influence future behavioral intentions. The method of systematic sampling was performed, and finally, 394 samples were retained for further PLS-SEM analysis. The results show that both natural soundscape perceptions and human-made soundscape perceptions have significant effects on flow experience and memorable tourism experience, and natural soundscape perceptions have a stronger effect on tourism experience. In addition, both flow experience and memorable tourism experience were found to influence behavioral intention positively, and flow experience shows the stronger impact. Findings provide managerial implications suggesting that destination managers should cleverly integrate natural soundscape elements into the design of ancient towns and reduce interference from human-made soundscapes. Additionally, practical implications are provided for destination managers in designing soundscapes in the ancient town.

Architecture, authenticity and the construction of memorable tourists experiences

This study examines the variables that contribute to create memorable tourism experiences in Jordan's thriving tourism industry. Specifically, it focuses on three key constructs: Building, Architecture and Authenticity. A total of 550 surveys were administered to tourists in Jordan as part of the research project. The analysis conducted in this study focused exclusively on a sample size of 189 surveys, utilizing the Smart PLS 4 software. The study revealed significant positive correlations between Building, Architecture, Authenticity and the creation of memorable tourism experiences through novelty in Jordan. Additionally, this research uncovers the significant moderating influence of the Manufacturing and Construction sectors in enhancing the impacts of Architecture and Authenticity on the novelty of memorable tourism experiences. The construction industry is crucial in designing travel experiences, considerably enhancing their impact. The aforementioned results offer practical implications for key actors within Jordan's tourist sector, underscoring the significance of architectural excellence, innovation and originality in augmenting the uniqueness of tourism encounters. This study provides a significant contribution to the comprehension of tourism experiences in Jordan. However, it is important to accept several limitations, such as the response rate and the contextual specificity. The consequences of this phenomenon transcend beyond the geographical boundaries of Jordan, providing a significant viewpoint on how to enhance tourism experiences worldwide in a unique and memorable manner.

The Relationship of Destination Attributes, Memorable Tourism Experiences, Satisfaction, and Revisit Intention

This paper is a systematic review of 20 previous articles that focuses on the relationship between destination attributes, memorable tourism experience, satisfaction, and revisit intention. This literature review includes journal articles that are relevant to the investigated keywords and research areas, published between 2013 and 2023. The main objective of this study is to present a comprehensive literature review focusing on destination attributes, memorable tourism experiences, satisfaction, and revisit intention. Through this review, a deeper understanding of the inter-relationships among these variables in the context of tourism can be achieved. The findings of this research have significant implications for the tourism industry and policymakers. By identifying key factors that influence tourist preferences, service providers can gain valuable insights into effectively managing tourism destinations, enhancing competitiveness, and boosting revenue. Furthermore, this literature review serves as a valuable reference for future research endeavors, offering valuable insights into exploring the intricate connections between destination attributes, memorable tourism experiences, satisfaction, and revisit intention. Future research is expected to further explore the role and contribution of stakeholders in creating environments and services that support a memorable tourism experience and increase revisit intention. In addition, future research can also investigate the relationship of these variables to various types of tourism.
 Keywords: destination attributes, memorable tourism experience, satisfaction, revisit intention

Risky yet enticing: the need for uniqueness and destination personality stimulates tourists to visit a risky place

ABSTRACT This research aims to create a novel model for exploring the factors that motivate individuals to visit a risky yet alluring place. Employing uniqueness and stimulus organism response (SOR) theories, this study investigates the concomitant impact of consumers’ need for uniqueness (CNFU) and destination personality on memorable tourism experience (MTE), thereby impacting tourist behaviors. The data were collected from three attractive tourist sites in Kashmir. The study findings reveal that CNFU and destination personality are crucial factors affecting tourist recommendation intentions and approach reactions via MTE at a risky destination. Considering the study findings, theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

The Role of Authenticity, Local Culture, Tourism Perceived Value, and Memorable Tourism Experience for Heritage Tourism Revisit Intention

The Role of Authenticity, Local Culture, Tourism Perceived Value, and Memorable Tourism Experience for Heritage Tourism Revisit Intention

Tourist engagement and subjective well-being in film tourism: Mediator of memorable tourism experience

Film tourism and film tourists’ perceptions and experiences have been extensively researched. However, few studies have explored the effects of tourist engagement on tourists’ emotional states in the posttravel stage. Therefore, the present study investigated the association between tourist engagement and subjective well-being as mediated by memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) in film tourism. A total of 424 Taiwanese tourists engaged in film tourism to South Korea were invited to participate in the study. Structural equation modelling was used to test the research hypotheses. The results revealed that tourist engagement is positively associated with the creation of MTEs and with tourists’ subjective well-being. MTEs are positively associated with subjective well-being. Furthermore, MTEs mediate tourist engagement and subjective well-being; that is, engaged tourists are more likely to create MTEs, which enhance their subjective sense of well-being. These results supplement existing findings on film tourism by clarifying the effect of tourist engagement on MTEs and subjective well-being. Moreover, this study provides valuable insights for the management and marketers of film tourism destinations, assisting them in enhancing visitor engagement to promote MTEs and a sense of well-being.

Destination Image and Memorable Tourism Experiences: Literature Gaps and Conceptual Exploration

Destination Image and Memorable Tourism Experiences: Literature Gaps and Conceptual Exploration

Antecedents of domestic visitor’s memorable experiences and gender difference: a heritage tourism context

ABSTRACT This study explores the interplay between visitor engagement, authenticity, and destination image in shaping memorable tourism experiences (MTE) within the realm of domestic heritage tourism, as well as the potential moderating role of gender in these relationships. Data were collected in the historic city of Kashan, Iran through a self-administered questionnaire and a combination of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and multi-group analysis was employed to test the hypotheses. The results strongly support the influence of visitor engagement, authenticity, and destination image on various dimensions of MTE. Additionally, noteworthy gender differences emerged, revealing that authenticity has a more pronounced impact on meaningfulness, knowledge, and involvement for female tourists. Moreover, distinct gender disparities were observed in the effects of destination image on these three dimensions. These findings make a valuable contribution to the tourism and MTE literature by emphasizing the significance of gender-specific perceptions and attitudes within the context of heritage tourism.

Experience‐driven well‐being and purchase: An alternative model of memorable wine tourism experiences

AbstractWine tourism has several distinctive features that militate against using Kim et al.'s model of memorable tourism experiences to understand its antecedents and consequences. Accordingly, this study adopts an alternative theoretical framework—the stimulus–organism–response theory—to develop an alternative model. Data were collected from visitors to a well‐known vineyard in Yantai, China and structural equation modelling and multiple group analysis were used to analyse them. The results suggest that experience co‐creation, sensory experience, experiential satisfaction and appealing winescape are significant and positive antecedents of a memorable wine tourism experience, while eudaimonic well‐being and wine purchase intention are significant and positive outcome variables. Visit frequency was found to be a moderating variable linking the winescape to memorable wine tourism experiences. Those who travel to the region frequently form a bond with the winescape that not only contributes to their well‐being but also stimulates their future intentions to purchase its wine.

Memorable Tourism Experience (MTE) pada Wisatawan di Perkemahan Waduk Sermo

Camping has recently gained popularity among tourists. However, research on camping in the Indonesian tourism setting needs to be more extensive, particularly experiential. Sermo Reservoir is a popular camping destination in Kulon Progo Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. This study aims to assess tourists’ camping experiences at Sermo Reservoir using Kim et al.’s (2012) Memorable Tourism Experience (MTE) scale. The study included 106 participants recruited through direct surveys of campers who had spent at least one night at Sermo Reservoir in June 2023. A reliability test was performed to determine the internal consistency of the translated scale across all samples. Descriptive quantitative analysis was also performed to determine the level of agreement among Sermo Reservoir camping tourists on each item and dimension of the MTE. The findings revealed that Sermo Reservoir camping tourists agreed on all MTE dimensions at a high to very high level. The characteristics of hedonism and refreshment received a “very high” level of agreement, followed by local culture, novelty, participation, meaningfulness, and knowledge in the “high” agreement category. The study limitations include the adaptation of the scale, which needs to be addressed and investigated further in the local context, and the inclusion of limited acceptance response alternatives. Additional limitations include the short research time, sample procedures, and data collecting, which prevent it from representing MTE in a larger population context.