Tourist Experience Research Articles

Authentic perception experience of tourists in traditional agricultural cultural heritage village: Scale development and validation

Authentic perception experience of tourists in traditional agricultural cultural heritage village: Scale development and validation

Enhancing tourism management through big data: Design and implementation of an integrated information system

Many sectors, particularly traveling, have been profoundly affected by the fast development of big data technologies. This article provides a detailed examination of the development and execution of a Tourism Management Information System (TMIS) that utilizes big data analytics to improve operational effectiveness, gain insights into tourist behavior, and encourage sustainable tourism practices. The system combines data from several sources, including booking systems, social media platforms, and tracking devices, and addresses issues related to data privacy, quality, and integration. The TMIS utilizes statistical information to provide tailored tourist experiences, enhance resource allocation, and aid in long-term planning. The study emphasizes the significance of strong data management, which involves assuring the precision of data and its immediate significance. Additionally, this article examines the potential of big data in promoting a strong and creative tourism industry. It highlights the importance of future studies in exploring sustainable uses of big data and the incorporation of novel technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to improve personalized experiences. The present research highlights the significant and positive influence of big data on the management of tourism. It offers a structured approach for implementing big data in practice and sets the stage for long-term and sustainable growth in the tourism sector.

The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Small Wineries in Cyprus and Reflections on Wine Tourism: Entrepreneurs’ Perspectives

Tourism-dependent countries like Cyprus, have been seriously affected by the shockwave that COVID-19 pandemic has generated to their sociocultural/economic fabric. One of the industries of Cyprus impacted is the wine industry. Indeed, the consequences of the pandemic have been reflected on various angles of the island’s wineries; from the day-to-day operations to their overall strategy. Moreover, they influenced their relationship to tourism and the provision of wine tourist experiences. This is even more apparent in the case of small wineries. In this respect, the paper examines how tourism related wine enterprises, and more specifically, small wineries in Cyprus, handled the crisis and its impacts, through the analysis of the wine entrepreneurs’ views. This study explores the dimensions of the pandemic imprinted on wineries’ business and highlights the pertinent measures taken to deal with them. Additionally, it illustrates how wine tourist activities have been affected, enhanced, and reformed for the smooth wine tourist experience to be provided. To do so, exploratory research was utilized to collect data through secondary sources and face-to-face in-depth interviews with winemakers/managers/owners of small wineries in Cyprus. Findings reveal that the greatest challenge that small wineries faced, was the high degree of uncertainty, as Hotels, Restaurants, and Catering companies (HO.RE.CA.) were temporarily closed and consequently, the wine consumption related to tourist flows was reduced. Small wineries took a series of measures to handle the crisis, such as emphasizing communications through online media, improving the provided -tourist- experience in the wineries, or enhancement of direct marketing and distribution strategies. The paper concludes with recommendations for small winemakers to deal with the shocks of crises and for their sustainable competitive advantage.

The Effect of Memorable Tourism Experience on Storytelling Behavior and Revisit Intention in Jatiluwih Tourism Village

Memorable Tourism Experience is one of the sources that are an aspect of excellence for a tourist destination or tourist attraction because a memorable experience will have a long- term impact. Good storytelling behavior and getting satisfaction that is in accordance with expectations will have an impact on tourist behavior to do branding and the intention to revisit. This study was conducted to see how much influence an impressive tourism experience has on storytelling behavior and revisit intention in Jatiluwih Tourism Village. The phenomenon that drives this study is the large number of storytelling behaviors of tourists who upload and convey information about their experiences through social media. The gap in previous studies is used as a novelty in this study to test how much influence memorable tourism experience has on revisit intention through storytelling behavior in Jatiluwih Tourism Village. The sampling technique used purposive sampling with a questionnaire distribution of 210 respondents consisting of domestic and foreign tourists. The type of research uses a quantitative approach using a Likert scale and data analysis using SmartPLS. The results of this study indicate that there is a significant direct influence between the memorable tourism experience variable on revisit intention, there is a significant direct influence between memorable tourism experience on storytelling behavior, there is a significant direct influence on storytelling behavior on revisit intention and storytelling behavior has a significant direct influence. In fully mediating an impressive tourism experience on the intention to revisit in Jatiluwih Tourism Village.

Impact of peer-to-peer online experience on cultural tourism marketing

Peer-to-peer (P2P) online experience offers low-cost immersive cultural experiences, but enterprises fear that it will negatively affect local tourism marketing. This study proposes a sequential mediation model to explore how P2P online experience stimulates travel intentions and attraction recommendations. We find that P2P online experience increases cultural presence, which in turn leads to higher situational empathy. This increased empathy then contributes to predicted tourism experience, which ultimately shapes behavioral intentions toward travel and attraction recommendations. Furthermore, the study finds that the impact of P2P online experience on behavioral intentions is stronger for consumers with lower cultural cognitive levels of tourist attractions. Our findings demonstrate the importance of P2P online experience on cultural presence and situational empathy in shaping travel behavior.

Exploring the influence of historical storytelling on cultural heritage tourists’ revisit intention: A case study of the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang

The revisit intention of tourists has long been a focal point of academic inquiry. However, there is still insufficient research on the antecedents of revisit intention from the perspectives of historical storytelling, destination image and perceived value. Taking the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a case study, this paper, based on stimulus–organism–response (SOR) theory, examines the impact of historical storytelling on the destination image, perceived value, and revisit intention. Additionally, it further explores the mediating role of destination image and perceived value, as well as the moderating effect of place attachment in this chain. The research findings indicate that: (1) Historical storytelling significantly enhances tourists’ perception of the tourism experience and revisit intention; (2) The study supports the mediating effect of destination image and perceived value; (3) Place attachment has a significant positive moderating effect between historical storytelling and revisit intention. Effective historical storytelling can significantly enhance destination image and perceived value, improve tourists’ participation and satisfaction in tourism, stimulate revisit intention, and promote the sustainable development of tourist destinations. These findings enrich the research content of cultural heritage tourism, providing valuable suggestions for improving the management level of cultural heritage tourism attractions and increasing visitors’ revisit intention.

Unlocking the Power of Relationship Marketing Dimensions in Accelerating Destination Loyalty: Mediating Effects of Destination Experience

The existing literature on destination experience and loyalty often neglects relationship marketing’s importance, creating an understanding gap. This study aimed to explore how relationship quality influences destination experience and loyalty in cultural heritage tourism. Data from 400 respondents were gathered via convenience sampling. Using SmartPLS-4, the study assessed a model based on the relationship marketing (RM) approach, including destination attachment, trust, and commitment. Results showed all relational dimensions positively impacted destination experience and loyalty. Moreover, destination experience substantially mediated the link between RM dimensions and loyalty. The research sheds light on relationship marketing’s role in shaping destination experiences and fostering loyalty.

Characteristics and Effects of the Last Kilometre of the Tourist City from the Dynamic and Static Perspectives

The accessibility of the “last kilometre” of a tourist city has a profound impact on the travelling experience of tourists. In-depth understanding of the characteristics and spatial effects of the “last-kilometre” traffic accessibility in tourist cities is conducive to further enhancing the accessibility of traffic travel and forming a new industry development pattern of deep integration of traffic and tourism. The results show that: (1) Private transport accessibility is significantly better than public transport accessibility, and the strong economic strength of large cities such as Peking, Shanghai, and Nanjing support a wider coverage of public transport compared with cities such as Qinhuangdao, Dalian, Ningbo, etc. Even for the middle-income and high-income groups of the large cities, the advantage of the broader travelling cost of public transport is still significant. (2) The average values of the fluctuation coefficients of travel time of public transport in tourist cities are all smaller than those of private transport, and public transport is less sensitive to traffic congestion, making it a more reliable choice for tourist travel. The higher number of public transport grids with more anomalous fluctuations and much larger fluctuations than private transport grids suggests that there is an urgent need to strengthen the standardisation of public transport services in the corresponding areas. (3) Urban tourism development has been moving from single-line to network development, and the impact of urban transport on urban–regional tourism development has been manifested in the place fission effect, corridor diffusion effect, and regional equilibrium effect. In general, our findings have been useful in understanding the accessibility characteristics of the “last kilometre” in tourist cities, optimizing the efficiency of inter-regional and intra-city transport connections, constructing a fast and convenient travel transport system, improving the accessibility of transport trips, and forming a new development pattern for the deep integration of transport and tourism.

Rediscovering the Lost Cuisines of the Himalayas: A Study on Traditional Culinary Practices, Cultural Heritage and their Potential for Sustainable Tourism

This study explores the rediscovery and promotion of the lost cuisines of the Himalayas, focusing on their cultural significance, traditional culinary practices, and potential for sustainable tourism. The unique geography and cultural diversity of the Himalayan region have given rise to distinct food traditions, deeply embedded in the local environment and history. However, modernization, globalization, and shifting socio economic conditions have increasingly threatened these practices. This research aims to document and preserve the traditional culinary heritage of the region, while examining how it can be integrated into sustainable tourism strategies. Utilizing qualitative research methods, including interviews with local community members and tourism stakeholders, field observations, and a review of secondary literature, the study investigates the role of food in maintaining cultural identity and supporting local economies. The findings suggest that traditional Himalayan cuisine, characterized by its use of locally sourced, organic ingredients and sustainable practices, aligns with the growing global demand for eco-friendly tourism and wellness experiences. The study identifies challenges, such as the risk of cultural commodification and the need for infrastructure development, but highlights the significant potential of culinary tourism as a tool for cultural preservation and economic empowerment. By promoting traditional food practices within a sustainable tourism framework, local communities can benefit from increased revenue while safeguarding their cultural heritage. The research concludes that rediscovering the lost cuisines of the Himalayas offers a valuable opportunity to preserve cultural traditions, promote sustainable development, and create meaningful tourism experiences that benefit both visitors and local populations.

Penerapan Kearifan Lokal di Bandar Udara Internasional Sam Ratulangi di Manado

Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado plays a strategic role as the main gateway for tourists visiting North Sulawesi, making significant contributions to local tourism and the economy. The implementation of local wisdom at this airport, such as the use of regional languages and the integration of cultural elements in terminal design, aims to enrich the tourist experience and showcase the cultural richness of North Sulawesi. However, challenges remain regarding capacity and service quality, as well as maintaining the authenticity of local culture. This study aims to analyze how the application of local wisdom at Sam Ratulangi International Airport impacts the tourist experience in North Sulawesi and to evaluate the local cultural values implemented at the airport in enhancing the visitor experience. The research design uses a qualitative approach with a case study method to assess the application of local wisdom at Sam Ratulangi International Airport, Manado. The study, conducted in July 2024, combines interviews, observations, and documentation to gather data. Interviews with airport managers, local communities, and passengers provide insights into the impact of local wisdom. Observations focus on cultural elements at the airport, while documentation includes official data and relevant literature. Data validity is tested through triangulation of techniques and sources. Data analysis involves reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing to address or refine the research problem. The study findings indicate that the application of local wisdom at Sam Ratulangi International Airport, such as traditional Kolintang music, batik exhibitions, and the use of regional languages, enhances the tourist experience by creating a distinctive atmosphere that introduces North Sulawesi's culture. Local values such as "mapalus" (community cooperation) and "torang samua basudara" (we are all brothers) are reflected in the friendly and efficient service, leaving a positive impression and shaping tourists' views of the region as rich in culture and humanitarian values.

Self-efficacy and personal innovation in the intention to use of facial recognition systems by tourists: a mediation model moderated by trust and anticipated emotions

ABSTRACT Facial recognition systems are crucial for personalising and enhancing user experiences in tourism. These technologies reliably verify identities and improve security and efficiency in areas such as airports and hotels. However, there is a lack of research on the psychological and emotional factors shaping the use of these technologies. This study proposes a novel conceptual model that examines how self-efficacy and personal innovation influence the intention to use facial recognition systems, through a model mediated by trust and moderated by anticipated emotions, to better understand the psychological and emotional dynamics underlying the use of emerging biometric technologies in the context of tourism. We issued a survey to 1027 frequent tourists and analysed their data using PLS-SEM. The results highlight the importance of users’ self-efficacy, trust and emotions in their predisposition to use facial recognition systems. Furthermore, this study considers the potential practical implications for developers and administrators of tourist destinations.

Constructing extraordinary experience from everyday life: Zibo barbecue check-in vlogs’ digital narratives

Examining the intersection of check-in tourism and travel vlogs within the context of Zibo, China—a destination popularized on social media platforms for its barbecue culture—this study analyzes 24 check-in vlogs from Bilibili platform. Through the rite of passage theoretical lens, this work investigates how vloggers utilize digital storytelling to shape and construct destination narratives. The research reveals how tourists assert agency over space by integrating place, body, and narrative elements, contributing to an extraordinary tourist experience comprising liminal moments of ordinariness and authenticity, thereby effectively (re)writing Zibo as a welcoming city of barbecue and a slow-life destination. This investigation provides insights into the evolving dynamics of contemporary tourism influenced by social media practices, highlighting the transformative role of digital narratives in shaping tourist perceptions and experiences, as well as meaning-making processes.

Memorable digital-free tourism experiences: Antecedents and outcomes

This study examines the role of escapism, experience co-creation, existential authenticity, and experiential satisfaction as antecedents of memorable digital-free tourism experiences. It then examines the relationship between memorable digital-free tourism experiences and hedonic well-being, eudaimonic well-being and place attachment. Survey data were gathered, via WeChat, from 389 Chinese tourists who had engaged in a digital-free meditation retreat in China between August 2022 and July 2023. Empirical results reveal that levels of escapism and experiential satisfaction positively explain memorable digital-free tourism experiences. Further, more memorable digital-free tourism experiences are associated with greater hedonic well-being, eudaimonic well-being and place attachment.

Motivations, Choices, and Constraints of Italian Transgender Travelers: A Study of Tourism Dynamics within the Rainbow

This study explores the motivations, choices, and constraints shaping tourism behavior among transgender individuals living in Italy. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research begins with quantitative data collection and analyses, followed by qualitative insights to uncover the multifaceted reasons that drive transgender individuals to engage in tourism. These motivations range from seeking personal authenticity to cultural exploration and community connection. This study also examines the intricate interplay of choice and constraint in shaping transgender travelers’ tourism experiences, highlighting the challenges they face and the strategies they use to cope with the obstacles they face within the tourism context. Given Italy’s persistent stereotypes and prejudices against gender and sexual minorities, this research provides a critical examination of the intersectionality of gender identity and tourism within a challenging cultural and legal landscape. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of transgender travelers’ tourism experiences and offer valuable implications for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and scholars. By amplifying the voices of Italian transgender travelers, this study aims to foster greater inclusivity and recognition of their diverse needs and experiences within the tourism sector.

Tourist Experience in Gaming Destination from Culture Distance Perspective

ABSTRACT This study focuses on the cultural distances between gaming tourists and service providers based on Hofstede’s culture model and aims to identify the correlation between cultural distances and various experience components. Online reviews of casino resorts in Macau are collected from TripAdvisor. Seven key experience categories in casino resorts and their correlations with cultural distances of six national cultural dimensions are revealed by combining the topic modeling method and correlation analysis. The significance of correlations is found to vary with distinct types of experience categories, which provides new insight into the convergence-divergence debate of culture in tourism studies.

Heritage as a development engine for people in nature: A case study of Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, China

This paper explores strategies to promote sustainable tourism for people living in natural areas through a case study implemented in the renowned World Natural Heritage Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, a World Heritage Site inscribed for its natural values. The study is part of the UNESCO World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Program’s Chinese Pilot Studies. Various interventions, including understanding local values, revitalizing traditional handicrafts, and making culinary innovations, were implemented to enrich tourist experiences, empower local communities, and boost economic opportunities. Based on these interventions, this paper discusses community capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution as initiatives to enhance heritage conservation and promote sustainable tourism at the community level. On the level of the World Heritage property, a new management zone, the Traditional Eco-agricultural Heritage Zone, recognized the residency of the locals within the heritage site and fostered the harmonious co-existence of culture and nature. The successful integration of heritage conservation, community development, and sustainable tourism in Wulingyuan not only ensures the conservation of the site but also contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This case study offers a model for sustainable development of Natural World Heritage Sites, emphasizing the importance of respecting and involving diverse local communities.

KAJIAN EFEKTIFITAS POLA SIRKULASI KAWASAN WISATA DESA TRADISONAL PENGLIPURAN

Bali, as one of the main tourist destinations in Indonesia, has a variety of attractions, including the Penglipuran Traditional Tourism Village in Bangli Regency. The popularity of this tourist village has led to a significant increase in vehicle flow, especially on weekends and holidays, resulting in congestion around tourist areas. Vehicles parked carelessly on the side of the road interfere with mobility for both locals and other tourists. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of current circulation patterns and identify potential solutions. Using a qualitative method with a naturalistic approach, this study will observe and analyze vehicle movement patterns, parking behavior, and their impact on traffic and visitor comfort. The results of this study are expected to provide recommendations for more effective circulation pattern arrangement, including parking management, alternative routes, and road infrastructure improvements. With the implementation of the right solutions, it is hoped that the comfort and experience of tourists in the Penglipuran Traditional Tourism Village can be significantly improved, while maintaining smooth traffic for local residents.

Understanding the influence of meaningfulness on memorable tourism experience (MTE) to invoke revisit intention in tourists with moderating effect of the perceived risk of COVID-19

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore meaningfulness and examine its impact on memorable tourism experience (MTE) and the subsequent effect on the revisit intention. The study also investigates the moderating effect of the perceived risk of COVID-19 on the relationship between MTE and revisit intention. The data were collected from tourists travelling to central India destinations through a survey. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the collected data of 549 tourists. It is also found that MTE directly and positively influences revisit intention in tourists. The result also shows that meaningfulness indirectly affects revisit intention of tourists when the relationship is mediated via MTE. Perceived risk of COVID-19 negatively moderates the relationship between MTE and revisit intention. All these results help destination managers and tourism practitioners make more informed decisions to improve the experience of tourists further and make travel destinations more sustainable.

Exploring the influence of augmented reality on tourist word-of-mouth through the lens of museum tourism

ABSTRACT This study investigates how tourist presence influences word-of-mouth (WOM) and measures whether authenticity significantly mediates presence and WOM in the Augmented Reality (AR) museum tourism experience. The survey data was collected from the AR-presented Palace Museum in China. The study found that presence positively influences tourists’ WOM, and authenticity positively mediated tourist presence and WOM. The research tested authenticity as a mediator between presence and WOM, expanding the theoretical development of presence theory and authenticity research. Furthermore, the study expands knowledge of AR in museum destination marketing and management.

Exploring Guilin's Destination Image Via User-Generated Content: A Computational Methods

This study quantify mainland China's destination image through international tourists' user-generated content (UGC), with a specific focus on Guilin, utilizing advanced computational techniques such as Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) for topic modeling and sentiment analysis. It systematically evaluates online travel reviews to distill key themes and emotional sentiments that shape Guilin's image, uncovering a rich tapestry of cognitive perceptions and affective reactions related to its natural scenery, cultural engagements, service standards, and logistical facets. The application of topic modeling and sentiment analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the cognitive and affective dimensions defining Guilin's destination image. While positive sentiments largely highlight the region's aesthetic and experiential allure, negative sentiments reveal critical areas for improvement, such as perceived value and infrastructure, which are vital for enhancing tourist satisfaction and reinforcing Guilin's appeal in the global tourism market. This research applies LDA and sentiment analysis to interpret UGC offer a calculable methodological approach for broader application in destination image studies. By aligning perceptual and emotional insights with destination marketing strategies, the findings offer actionable intelligence to optimize tourist experiences and enhance destination loyalty. This approach not only enriches the academic understanding of destination images but also provides practical frameworks for destination managers to harness the full potential of UGC in shaping and refining the global image of tourism locales.