On-site Experience Research Articles

EXPRESS: Feeling Grounded: Exploring the Sense of Groundedness in Cultural Tourism Driven by Live Streaming Technology

As information and communication technology advances, the on-site experience of traditional field tourism is being transformed into a virtual experience under digital tourism. The sense of groundedness occurs when tourists connect to the geography, humanity, and history of destination. Little is known about how technology, marketing, and tourism resources can be combined to enrich the authenticity of the virtual tourism experience. This study explores the main characteristics of groundedness in cultural tourism to address this research gap. It develops and validates the scale for measuring tourism experience based on live streaming technology. The findings also reveal groundedness as a driver of tourists’ willingness and behavior to participate. The study theoretically promotes the development of groundedness and the emerging research on digital cultural tourism marketing. Meanwhile, the study results provide stakeholders with an attractive and implementable tourism perceptual experience, groundedness, implying references for overall sustainable destination development.

Physical stores versus physical showrooms: Channel structures of online retailers

To meet consumers’ expectations for experiential shopping, an increasing number of online retailers are expanding offline channels, with physical showrooms and physical showrooms emerging as the two most popular offline channel modes. Both channels can match consumers’ demand for on-site experiences. However, the two modes differ in terms of service cost, demand promotion efficiency, and channel differentiation generation. The article considers three channel structures: a single online channel, an online channel with physical stores, and an online channel with physical showrooms, as well as two scenarios: non-competitive and competitive. This study examines whether online retailers should integrate offline channels and which offline channel mode they should use by comparing the profit changes of themselves and rivals when three channel structures are adopted in two scenarios. It is found that: (i) If there is a significant difference between the online and physical store channels, providing physical stores help online retailer raise profits. If the physical showroom is highly effective at promoting demand, omnichannel retailers will dominate the entire online market, and expanding physical showrooms is always profitable; (ii) Whether in a competitive or non-competitive environment, online retailers should weigh channel differentiation and the efficiency of the offline channel modes in promoting demand to select the best channel mode; (iii) Due to channel differentiation, online retailers’ creation of physical stores, as well as increasing competition among physical stores, will have no impact on rival retailers. However, providing physical showrooms will result in lower sales volume and revenue for rival retailers.

Factors Influencing Intentions of People with Hearing Impairments to Use Augmented Reality Glasses as Hearing Aids.

The advent and progression of AR (augmented reality) technology, coupled with the emergence of AR hearing aid glasses, offer a novel opportunity for people with hearing impairments (PHI). This study aims to explore the intention of this population to employ AR hearing aid glasses as their choice of hearing aid device and the specific factors influencing their preference. This study utilized the partial least squares SEM (PLS-SEM) analytical method to create structural equation model for intentions of PHI to use AR glasses as hearing aids. Data were gathered from on-site experiences across multiple locations; a total of 189 valid questionnaires from individuals with varying degrees of hearing disabilities were used for statistical analysis. According to the data analysis results, we discovered that functionality quality, perceived interaction speed, and perceived usability significantly influence communication effectiveness. Further, communication effectiveness positively influences confidence and societal perception, and the latter has a positive impact on information. Both of these factors positively influence behavioral intention. Based on these findings, this study offers design recommendations for AR hearing aid glasses to cater to the specific needs of PHI, aiming to enhance their quality of life. Furthermore, this study provides pivotal insights for the prospective growth of this emerging industry.

How Do Location-Based AR Games Enhance Value Co-Creation Experiences at Cultural Heritage Sites? A Process Perspective Analysis

The sustainable development of tourism in cultural heritage sites benefits from the active participation of tourists in the co-creation process. Location-based AR games show great potential in tourists’ participation in creation and positive experiences. This study explores the relationship between the stage factors of the co-creation experience and the overall co-creation. Combining the service-dominant logic and process perspective of value co-creation theory, this research proposes a conceptual framework for co-creating experiences in cultural heritage tourism using augmented reality technology through two studies. In the first phase of the study, quantitative research was conducted on 256 visitors to measure the impact of factors in the three processes of pre-co-creation experience, on-site experience, and post-co-creation experience on the overall co-creation experience. In the study’s second phase, follow-up qualitative interviews were conducted based on multiple linear regression analysis results to expand the interpretation of the relationship and importance of factors affecting the co-creation experience process. The results show that psychological engagement, awareness, knowledge, and social relations during pre-visitation help enhance the overall co-creation experience. In contrast, the overall co-creation experience is enriched by real-time storytelling, interaction, and emotional resonance in both on-site and post-experience processes. The proposal of this framework model advances the discussion of augmented reality technology and co-creation experience to the empirical level. It provides a basis for further tourism co-creation experience design practice.

Application of AI Technology for the Development of Destination Tourism towards an Intelligent Information System

"The pervasive influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is fundamentally transforming industries and daily life. AI, an emulation of human intelligence in machines, endows systems with the capacity to autonomously learn reason and make decisions. By processing extensive datasets at unprecedented speeds, AI is ushering in a revolution across diverse domains, including healthcare, finance, education and manufacturing. Its applications span from elevating customer experiences through personalized recommendations to propelling advancements in areas like autonomous vehicles and precision agriculture. With the tourism industry in transformative evolution, AI is pivotal in enhancing visitor experiences, streamlining operations, and fostering sustainable destination management. AI-powered solutions personalize and simplify the entire traveller journey, offering tailored recommendations for pre-trip planning, on-site experiences and post-travel engagement. This not only boosts customer satisfaction but also elevates the overall appeal and competitiveness of destinations. Moreover, AI optimizes operational processes by utilizing predictive analytics and machine learning for demand forecasting, resource allocation, and crowd management. This facilitates data-driven decision-making, promoting efficient resource utilization and minimizing environmental impact. In sustainable tourism, AI monitors and manages environmental factors, employing smart sensors and analytics to assess ecological impact. This enables the implementation of proactive measures to preserve natural resources and protect biodiversity, contributing to smart infrastructure development for destination resilience. The integration of AI in destination tourism drives economic growth and enhances safety for travellers. AI-powered systems analyse real-time data to detect and respond to potential threats, ensuring a secure environment. As the tourism industry evolves, embracing AI becomes imperative for destinations to remain competitive, sustainable, and resilient. This abstract provides insights into the diverse applications of AI in destination tourism, underscoring benefits for tourists and destination management stakeholders."

George F. Kennan and Hungary: A Cold War Visionary and a “remarkable people with rich civilizational qualities”

Abstract Although George F. Kennan hardly needs an introduction, this article revisits his career. He was the “father” of the containment doctrine, even if he did not accept that title because he believed the successive American governments debauched his murky idea about how to oppose the Soviet Union. Many things are known about Kennan—both his professional and private life—but some small additions are still missing. This essay investigates his relations with, and ideas about Hungary, which so far have earned passing mentions at best. This is not surprising because Hungary rarely became a central issue during the Cold War—with 1956 as an obvious exception—so scholars focused mainly on Kennan, the Russian expert and cold warrior. Still, occasionally Hungary received Kennan’s attention throughout his long career: he made observations and took notes on Hungary, Hungarian foreign policy, and Hungarians as early as the eve of World War II, and he continued to do so as late as Hungary’s joining NATO at the end of the 1990s. These were sometimes indirect assumptions, long-distance observations, or the results of on-site experience. It is interesting to see how the famously realist Kennan approached Hungary and the Hungarian questions throughout more than half a century. His relationship with either Hungary or Hungarians, however, has never been within the scope of an academic study, so this article serves as the basis for possible future endeavors into that direction. By introducing Kennan’s episodic views and impressions regarding Hungary in the larger part of the twentieth century, the article fills a small but important gap in the growing field of the history of American–Hungarian relations and adds to the portrait of Kennan. (ZP)

Visitors’ experience in a coastal heritage context: A segmentation analysis and its influence on in situ destination image and loyalty

Understanding visitors’ actual behaviour is key for tourist destinations to define strategies for different subgroups of experience-based visitors. The few studies that have analysed the influence of the intensity of visitors’ on-site experience on the formation of destination image also considered intentions and did not analyse its influence on loyalty. Also, existing research on previous experience with the destination or experiential familiarity has considered repeat visitors as a homogeneous group and failed to identify different patterns of experience. This study aims to overcome these gaps by grouping visitors based on their degree of experience (i.e., previous and on- site experience related to coastal and maritime cultural heritage activities) and ascertaining the extent to which a) the impressions of the destination and b) degree of loyalty of the visitors in subgroups differ. The sample included 720 questionnaires from domestic and international visitors in Aveiro, Portugal, leading to three groups with varying degrees of past and on-site experience: “destination enthusiasts”, “destination and heritage enthusiasts” and “destination and heritage discoverers”, thus supporting the intersection of these variables as valid for market segmentation. All groups presented dissimilar cognitive images and different levels of loyalty, but no differences were found in the affective image.

Comparative Analysis of Texan CTE and Australian VET Programs

Texas is facing a worker deficit crisis for the nearly 1 million “middle skill” jobs requiring applicants to possess industry-based certifications earned through technical training and learning- think plumbers, dental assistants, estheticians, and mechanics. Since our society heavily depends on the contributions of middle-skilled workers for proper functioning, the recent deficit in qualified applicants has elicited significant operational disruptions throughout Texas. Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a secondary school framework that aims to “provide individuals with rigorous academic content and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers.” CTE is just one of the many avenues of advancement Texas schools are pursuing in hopes of graduating a new generation of career-ready citizens who can resolve the middle-skill worker crisis. However, CTE is far from perfect, and Texas could benefit greatly from referencing successes of international vocational frameworks to inform their curriculum decisions and revisions. This research outlines a comparative analysis of Texan CTE and Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) conducted using data from three avenues of query: subject matter expert interviews, CTE student survey results, and scholarly references. This analysis concluded that CTE is designed to expose students to diverse postgraduation career options, while VET places focus on students earning industry-based qualifications via on-site experience. In other words, CTE offers exploration of a breadth of vocational offerings, while VET offers depth of tangible outcomes for students in desired middle-skill industries. In reflecting on these discoveries, Texas would benefit from integrating aspects of the Australian School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) model into its present CTE framework to simultaneously address the middle-skilled worker crisis while providing students with a more fruitful and flexible educational experience.

Digital Humanities at the Service of Remembrance: The Creation of Digital Archive-based Activities within the Project ‘Remembering the Past, Learning for the Future’

This article explores the usage of testimonies in the Visual History Archive of the University of Southern California's Shoah Foundation to create learner-centred activities on the history of the Holocaust targeted at Portuguese students. We describe the project ‘Remembering the Past, Learning for the Future: Research-Based Digital Learning from Testimonies of Survivors and Rescuers of the Holocaust’, housed at the University of Lisbon Centre for English Studies (ULICES). Via the international partnership (USC Shoah Foundation, Zachor Foundation, and the University of Eötvös Loránd), the ULICES team developed materials using testimony from witnesses and survivors of the Holocaust through digital tools with an innovative pedagogical methodology. We introduce the constructivist theory of learning, stressing the powerful impact of survival testimonies on raising student awareness and developing a wide range of skills. We also describe the methodological process that underlay this project, namely the creation of the six learning activities for the IWitness educational platform and the IWalk visits, focusing on the translation tasks of the written materials and the audiovisual translation of the videos. We also report on how students received the activities by retrieving information from teachers’ and students’ reports, and an onsite experience with two groups of students.

3D SURVEY POINT CLOUD DATA AS DIRECT RENDERING ASSETS FOR VISUALISING COMPLEX HERITAGE IN VIRTUAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract. Digital technology provides methods to record and preserve cultural heritage, support conservation and restoration efforts, and share our collective past with a worldwide audience. Between 2011 and 2017, the 3D Survey Group from Politecnico di Milano operated an annual workshop in the medieval village of Ghesc in which photogrammetry and laser-scanner surveys were carried out. The point cloud data acquired in these activities has become “time slices” documenting different stages of the preservation interventions in Ghesc and the evolution of advanced survey techniques. The main objective of this research is to streamline the workflow of delivering immersive and interactive experiences for complex heritage by directly utilising the 3D survey point cloud data, whether derived from a photogrammetric survey, static laser scanner, or mobile mapping.A point cloud-based multiplatform application is designed and delivered with versatile functions. It runs on PC and VR devices to provide virtual access to the village and narrate its revitalisation story. Additionally, it operates on mobile devices with an AR feature that brings vibrancy to the on-site experience. This application integrates high-fidelity point cloud models, detailed information on vernacular architecture in the Ossola Valley, and information on the preservation project with gamified learning experiences. The unconventional approach of using points as rendering primitives in virtual applications offers a practical solution for visualising complex heritage, enabling an efficient transition from the data collection stage to the data sharing stage without the need for 3D reconstruction and intricate BIM modelling.

Dynamics of travel decision-making between organized packaged tourists and backpackers

Tourists are different in terms of their purpose of travel, the tourist type, the number of days spent, and how they spend time in a destination. Tourist decision-making models attempt to conceptualize how tourists make decisions during their pre-travel, onsite experiences, and post-travel stages. These models, including the grand models of tourist behavior, have paved the way to broaden our understanding of this complex behavioral phenomenon. Despite their remarkable contributions to the existing knowledge, these models display some limitations in terms of complexity, general nature of explanations, poor empirical support, and lack of consideration of different traveler types. Further examinations are necessary to understand the dynamic nature of decisions that take place under each broader stage. This study attempted to address some of these limitations through a qualitative inquiry with a comparison of tourist decision-making between two mainstream traveler types i.e. organized package tourists and backpackers. The findings uncovered empirical evidence to propose a research proposition that a general travel decision-making model cannot be derived for different traveler types and certain alterations need to be done with reference to different traveler types. These findings contribute to the literature on tourist behavior by inviting scholars to revisit the existing models in light of different traveler types.

COVID-19 and the economic sustainability of Italian museums: can digital technologies enhance new revenue models?

ABSTRACT This study analyses the impact of COVID-19 on the economic sustainability of Italian museums and questions whether the wide diffusion of digital technologies can enhance new revenue models. Museums have largely used digital technologies during the pandemic to offer an alternative to the onsite experience. Yet it is less clear whether and how digital technologies can also enhance new revenue models, finally contributing to the overall sustainability of museums. The survey conducted revealed that Italian museums were deeply financially affected by the pandemic, as highlighted by the reduction of onsite visitors and revenues. At the same time, Italian museums adopted different typologies of digital technologies to offer new online experiences, sometimes associated with new revenue models. This new online offer also requires an internal change of competencies and roles of the staff, supporting reflections on the future trends for the economic sustainability of museums.

Fun or Fear? On-Site Versus On-Screen Experiences in Paranormal Tourism: A Case Study of Hashima Island, Japan

Paranormal tourism has seen increased demand, particularly from those tourists who seek unusual or unique experiences. Various paranormal phenomena offer multidimensional experiences for tourists in different physical contexts. Similarly, the advancement of technology has extended the ability to offer more authentic on-screen paranormal experiences. This study aims to explore and compare tourists’ on-site and on-screen experiences at Hashima Island, Japan, with an interest in identifying paranormal-related emotions. Tourist reviews and comments from Tripadvisor and YouTube were collected, with data analysis conducted using grounded theory and Leximancer. Key findings indicate that besides core paranormal encounters, some inviolate features also contribute to paranormal experiences, with tour guide services impacting the on-site experience and video filming techniques influencing the on-screen experience. Furthermore, this work revealed several emotional dimensions, with “fear” and “surprise” positively related to paranormal experiences. By comparing on-site and on-screen experiences, this study offers marketing and planning suggestions for destinations seeking to develop and promote paranormal tourism encounters.

REALITY CAPTURE METHODS FOR REMOTE INSPECTION OF BUILDING WORK

Abstract. Conventional building inspection, which requires in-person visits by a qualified inspector, can be costly, time-consuming, and even pose health and safety risks. The travel restrictions of the global Covid-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for remote inspection methods. Using reality capture techniques to create a digital 3D representation of the site offers promise for remote inspection of building work. This paper aims to assess different reality capture methods and their visualizations for remote inspection of building work through a case study conducted in Melbourne, Australia. The reality capture methods included terrestrial and mobile laser scanning, RGB-D imaging, and aerial photogrammetry using a UAV. Professional building inspectors participated in the evaluation process by conducting remote inspection based on the captured data and comparing it to the on-site experience. The assessment involved different visualizations of the data, including 3D panoramas, point clouds, and triangulated surface meshes. The results indicate that image visualisation and the ability to make measurement on images are desirable by professional inspectors. These findings support the adoption of reality capture techniques for remote inspection of building work, which can enhance the safety and efficiency of the process.

Applying mindfulness theory to enhance voluntourism experiences

Though volunteer tourism has gained greater consideration in the broader tourism literature, the ubiquitous need to further investigate social interactions between residents and visitors remains strong. This research was the first attempt to apply mindfulness theory in a volunteer tourism context. The study explored the effects of volunteer tourists' mindfulness, their emotional solidarity with residents, and on-site experiences on loyalty to the destination. As such, a structural model was examined with six proposed hypotheses based on data collected from 348 Chinese residents who participated as volunteer tourists over the last two years, prior to March 1, 2020. Structural equation modelling results revealed that antecedent constructs explained between 44% and 71% of the variance in emotional solidarity, tourist experiences, and destination loyalty—as demonstrated through each of the six supported hypotheses. Additionally, emotional solidarity heightened tourist experiences and resulted in destination loyalty. Furthermore, better tourist experiences increased destination loyalty.

Augmented Reality Supported Learning for Cultural Heritage of Taiwan in On-Site and Off-Site Environments: The Case of a Daxi Old Street

This study aims to explore whether the integration of Augmented Reality (AR) technology used in community-based art education can improve the participants’ learning effectiveness and to compare its effects in two different learning environments (on-site and off-site). A quasi-experimental research design has been conducted to check the effectiveness of integrating AR activities in terms of learners’ effectiveness. The sample for this study includes 40 and 64 participants in on-site and off-site groups, respectively. The on-site group visited the real environment and viewed AR-integrated materials such as posters and rhymes; the off-site group visited the school exhibition and viewed the same materials as the on-site group. The data was obtained through motivation, learning satisfaction, technology acceptance, and learning effectiveness scales designed by the researchers. Descriptive statistics and an independent t -test were utilized for the data analysis. There was a significant difference in learning motivation, learning effectiveness, and learning satisfaction between on-site and off-site groups; however, there was no significant difference in the mean of technology acceptance. This study finds that the use of AR digital materials facilitated the visitors’ experience of cultural heritage and improved participants learning effectiveness, and particularly learning satisfaction and learning motivation, more so in the on-site experience than in the off-site experience. Results also revealed that there was a significant difference in gender and age toward learning motivation and learning effectiveness. With respect to participants with different artistic and educational backgrounds, the results showed no significant differences in learning motivation, learning effectiveness, learning satisfaction, and technology acceptance. Finally, recommendations for future practices and research are discussed.

Online (versus face-to-face) augmented reality experience on nursing students’ leg ulcer competency: Two quasi-experimental studies

AimThe aim of this study was two-fold. Firstly, to describe the influence of an augmented reality (AR)-based online educational experience on the academic performance and learning determinants of nursing students related to the study of leg ulcer care. We also set out to compare these online results with those obtained in the same experience developed a year before but in a face-to-face design. BackgroundUndergraduate education in nursing aims to train students towards an acceptable level of competence for professional practice. Sometimes, some essential clinical areas of knowledge are particularly challenging for both students and nurse educators. One of these is the care of chronic wounds, particularly in leg ulcers where nurses play a key role. Currently face-to-face teaching methods are evolving to more active contexts and alternative means such as online learning and AR are becoming widely used, garnering encouraging results. DesignA quasi-experimental design was used. Two experiments were carried out to meet the aims of the study, the first one was a pre-test post-test design in one group and the second one a post-test two experimental groups design. MethodsParticipants were undergraduate nursing students from the School of Nursing of the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain). The two experimental groups received the same training but in different environments: online during 2019/2020 (n = 111) and onsite during 2018/2019 (n = 72). The instruments selected were a knowledge and skills test and two validated questionnaires. ResultsRegarding academic performance, the study demonstrated significant differences towards learning after the AR-based online experience (Z = −9.074; p ≤ 0.001). The participants also showed good results in relation to the learning determinants studied. Compared with students receiving AR-based face-to-face teaching, the students with the online learning approach scored better in the dimensions Autonomous Learning (U=3104.5; p = 0.020) and 3D Comprehension (U=3167.0; p = 0.035). However, the participants in the onsite experience scored higher in the Attention dimension (U=3163.0; p = 0.035). ConclusionsAR positively influences academic performance and diverse educational variables when this experience is carried out online. Since both the online and face-to-face experience show statistically significant benefits in different dimensions of the learning determinants, the need to improve the AR learning experience through blended-learning environments should be promoted.

Study on Teaching Techniques to Improve Chinese Children's Early Reading Fluency

This paper discusses the problems that exist in the development of early reading fluency among children in first-tier cities in China, including unclear reading goals, inappropriate selection of reading materials, inadequate teaching methods, and unscientific reading environment. Through on-site experience, open interviews, observation, case studies, and surveys, the author analyzes these problems and proposes corresponding solutions from seven aspects: cultivating reading skills as the core, emphasizing phonemic awareness in teaching, creating a reasonable teaching environment for early childhood reading, setting up a reading area, creating a psychological environment conducive to cultivating children's reading skills, emphasizing the guiding significance of early childhood reading, and creating successful reading experiences for young children. These suggestions and solutions provide relevant decision-making and guidance for kindergartens, parents, and teachers to carry out early reading activities, which have important value for promoting the development of children's early reading fluency in China.

Development of Structural Criteria for the Certification and Designation of Recreational and Therapeutic Forests in Bavaria, Germany

Background: Based on the increasing evidence of forest on health, a research project assessed the structural certification criteria of recreational and therapeutic forests in 15 Bavarian pilot sites. The main project objectives were (1) to develop a certification standard for recreational and therapeutic forests and (2) to establish a certification and designation process. Methods: Relevant criteria were identified by a literature review. The findings, in conjunction with landscape planning principles, were used to develop a catalog of certification criteria, which was then tested and amended in field testing in the pilot sites. Results: The criteria catalog for recreational and therapeutic forests was structured into four sections: general requirements, forest-specific requirements, safety and infrastructure, and preventive and/or therapeutic interventions. At 13 pilot sites, 13 recreational forests and 3 therapeutic forests were designated, 47 professionals were trained, the designation process and a certification body were established, and the results were published in a manual (BayKK KuH). Conclusions: This newly developed Bavarian certification standard for recreational and therapeutic forests represents an innovative synthesis of science and empirical on-site experience. It enables interested parties to develop a recreational or therapeutic forest on the basis of transparently published standards in order to use the health-promoting effects of the forest in prevention and therapy.

Branding Strategies of Outdoor Music Festival: A Case Study of Strawberry Festival

With the change of music industry, the traditional recording industry began to decline, and diversified music forms were accepted by people. Outdoor music festival is one of the representatives, it is gradually gaining more and more attention due to high participation and immersive on-site experience and occupying more share in entertainment market. Compared with other forms of music performance, music festival is not only a platform to show a variety of styles and types of music performance, but also can be integrated with tourism and other forms of business, forming a comprehensive entertainment industry model. Even in the post-pandemic world, music festivals still show a astonishingly development trend. In the face of fierce competition in the music market, how to play the role of branding and establish a new normal for event promoting should be considered by music festival organizersThe study took outdoor music festival as the research object, case on China Strawberry Music Festival to elaborate the development status of China's outdoor music festival and the problems existing in the branding process, discussed the developing pattern of strawberry Music Festival branding from two aspects of positioning and strategy.The study investigated the promotion effect of exact branding strategies on the development of music festivals, and proposed a practical path for the branding music festivals using brand marketing theory and literature research. The study puts forward the strategy of outdoor music festival branding in brand positioning, brand communication, brand management and other aspects, and concludes the importance of combining the analysis of music festival and city.