Tourist Experience Research Articles

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.

Strategies for Performance Optimization: Risk Mitigation in Tourism Supply Chains of Indonesia

In the context of optimizing performance, the tourism industry has great potential as a source of income for regions and countries. One area that has great potential in the tourism industry is Rembang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. However, this industry is also vulnerable to various risks, such as natural disasters, pandemics, and security issues. Therefore, this research aims to identify risks in the tourism industry supply chain in Rembang Regency and develop effective mitigation strategies. The research method used is decision matrix risk assessment (DMRA), which involves supply chain mapping, risk identification, risk assessment, risk response development, and risk response control. The results of identifying risks that need to be mitigated from travel agents to tourist activities include fluctuating products/services, incompatibility with tourist destinations, and failure in promotional programs. Meanwhile, stakeholder activities in the tourism industry include failure in formulating policies and promotional programs. Proposed mitigation measures include diversifying supply chains, improving communication between suppliers and the tourism industry, and developing flexible policies. Implementation of this strategy is expected to strengthen the tourism industry supply chain in Rembang Regency, improve the tourist experience, and support sustainable economic growth. Risk mitigation in the tourism industry also contributes to the performance of the tourism industry and the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) by providing benefits to the environment, economy, and local communities.

Will the decrease in food availability affect food tourism? A historical and contemporary perspective: horizon 2050 article

Purpose This study aims to discuss the possible consequences of food crises caused by unsustainable food production and distribution, as well as how the rapid depletion of food resources may affect human life, destinations and the food tourism industry. Design/methodology/approach To address the lack of research examining the impact of sustainability issues and food crises on food tourism, this study conducted a critical review of the literature and reports related to agriculture, food production and sustainability. Findings Global conflicts, climate change and supply disruptions result in the reduction of food availability and quality. The high price of food and energy in such circumstances will further exacerbate poverty and delay destination development, which will negatively impact food tourism's economic sustainability. Furthermore, local businesses will be limited in their ability to offer a variety of culinary experiences, which will negatively impact the overall experience of food tourism. In this context, there is a pressing need to investigate the experiential aspects of food tourism as well as today's challenges relating to food crises at multiple levels, sustainable approaches, food quality and food services. Research limitations/implications The United Nations, FAO, WHO, UNICEF and other regional and international organizations refer to unsustainable practices and food crises on a variety of levels. Several sectors, including the food tourism industry, are predicted to be negatively affected by the current situation. However, governments have not adopted an emergency code to address this issue, except in some regions experiencing extreme inflation and food shortages. Besides promoting sustainable practices, responding to global crises and enhancing culinary and cultural tourism experiences, food crisis management and sustainability efforts can have a significant impact on future research, practical applications and societal outcomes. Originality/value As one of the first studies conducted in this field, this study examines the effects of declines in food production and issues in the supply chain on the food tourism industry.

How awe affects value co-creation in virtual reality tourism experience

ABSTRACT While virtual reality tourism can stimulate positive emotions in tourists, the impact of these emotions on tourist participation, value co-creation processes, and the role of awe in tourism remain largely unexplored. This study is the first to explore the antecedents of co-creation in virtual reality tourism and reveal the role of awe in shaping co-creation. It investigated how awe induced by virtual scenic attractions can enhance tourists’ experience and collaborative participation. An online survey utilizing the “Zhangjiajie Planet” XR metaverse platform served as the research stimulus. Data analysis was conducted on 556 valid responses collected from the survey, employing SPSS and AMOS for statistical evaluation. Awe was directly related to value co-creation and indirectly affected value co-creation through telepresence and content attachment. The findings highlight the importance of considering awe as a critical experiential component in the development of virtual tourism.

The Nature-based Tourism Sustainability: Cultural Measures and Personality Trait

A tourism that relied on nature-based tourism (NBT) was not enough as a reason for revisit intention. Revisit intention are the key of tourism sustainability. This study aim to determine cultural background as personalities of tourism destination. The objectives are to justify the tourism destination culture personality relevant for destination personality measurement which seen from culture perspective. Through destination personality approach, this study investigates the role of tourism destination culture personality to strengthen the effect of tourist engagement and memorable tourism experience which can lead to a higher revisit intention considering the match between destination image and tourist’s self-concept. Tourism destination culture personality is a concept that integrates the concepts of destination personality and Hofstede's dimension of culture to describe the unique cultural identity of a tourism destination. In this matter, 259 respondents from a single nation was involved to evaluate 15 scale items of tourism destination culture personality and the framework of current research. Results show that all scale items of tourism destination culture personality were valid. The SEM-PLS and The importance-performance map analysis (IPMA) justified that tourism destination culture personality is essential concept for optimizing the relationship between tourist engagement and memorable tourism experience on revisit intention. Moreover, the tourism destination culture personality has È-Shape curvilinear relationship on the tourist engagement and revisit intention which projected. The last, these results were assessed by robustness and configuration tests to reduce the possibility of error regarding our findings. Overall, this study contributes to the extant literature on tourism destination culture-personality by constructing a composite picture of tourism destination culture-personality dimensions on the tourist’ engagement, memorable tourism experience and revisit intention of NBT. The study’s theoretical contributions, its restrictions and practical implications for NBT operators are further discussed.

Contribution of the English Language to Advancing Travel and Tourism

This article explores the intricate relationship between language and tourism, focusing on the role of English as a global lingua franca in facilitating communication and cultural exchange. While English is often viewed as a colonial language used for resource exploitation, its knowledge is a resource that attracts and facilitates tourists, enriching tourism. The research questions address how English has become integral to tourism and its impacts on tourist experiences and destination choices. The study employs a historical and sociolinguistic analysis, examining the historical, political and economic factors contributing to the globalization of English. The paper emphasizes the importance of effective communication in tourism, illustrating how language proficiency in English enhances tourist experiences and influences destination selection. Additionally, it highlights the significance of linguistic diversity in enriching the tourism experience and promoting inclusivity. Findings indicate that English proficiency significantly enhances tourist experiences while linguistic diversity adds value to tourism. The paper advocates for sustainable tourism practices that embrace cultural and linguistic diversity. Overall, it calls for a deeper understanding of the interplay between language and tourism to foster cultural appreciation and sustainable tourism practices globally.

Survival strategies of informal sector workers in Bali's tourism industry

The informal tourism sector plays a vital role in the local economies, particularly in destinations such as Bali. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8, which focuses on promoting decent work and economic growth. These workers, who are often ignored, greatly enrich the experience of tourism but encounter distinct obstacles on a daily basis. Gaining insight into their methods for staying alive is crucial. Informal workers face distinct limits compared to formal sector employees, resulting in less defined sustainability and growth strategies. A thorough investigation was carried out in nine regencies in Bali, utilizing observations and interviews, in order to examine these tactics. This method facilitated a comprehensive comprehension of their day-to-day routines and difficulties. The study identified four crucial survival strategies: implementing prudent financial management to sustain businesses and meet daily needs, utilizing communication skills to maintain income and continuity, enhancing social capital through positive relationships with fellow workers, and comprehending government policies. Out of these factors, effectively managing economic capital is crucial for maintaining livelihoods in the fiercely competitive tourism business. The results of this study provide a basis for future policies or interventions aimed at supporting and enhancing the lives of informal sector workers in tourist areas such as Bali.

NARCISSISM AND ENVY'S EFFECT ON TOURISTS SHARING SELFIE IN SOCIAL COMPARISON THEORY APPROACH

Tourism, as a social endeavor, has been significantly influenced by advancements in technology and communication tools, thereby facilitating interpersonal interactions as a social activity. The widespread integration of smart technologies and the continually evolving social media platforms have fundamentally altered the rapid dissemination of tourist experiences. Consequently, this research aims to examine the tendency to share selfies on social media platforms within the framework of social comparison theory. Data were collected from 533 participants through an online survey and were subjected to Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and Path Analysis within the framework of Structural Equation Modeling. The analyses revealed that narcissism and envy positively impact tourists' tendencies to share selfies on social media platforms. Based on these findings, the study offers recommendations for developing effective strategies for tourism stakeholders.

The future of green tourism in Bali: Challenges and opportunities

This research examines the future of green tourism in Bali, analyzing the challenges and opportunities facing the island in its sustainable tourism development efforts. The research adopts a multi-method qualitative approach, including a systematic literature review using the PRISMA method, in-depth semi-structured interviews, and participatory observation. Data were collected from key stakeholders in Bali's tourism industry, including experienced tourism operators, government officials, environmental experts, and community leaders representatives. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling, with the criteria of having a minimum of five years of experience in Bali's tourism industry or related fields. Their role was to provide insights into the current state of green tourism in Bali, challenges faced, and potential development opportunities. Key findings revealed significant challenges such as environmental damage from mass tourism, inadequate waste management, threats to biodiversity, cultural exploitation, and economic inequality. Nonetheless, Bali also shows great potential for green tourism development, including supportive government policies, community engagement opportunities, technological advances, and the growing global demand for sustainable tourism experiences. This research proposes a comprehensive strategy to boost green tourism in Bali, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration, sustainable tourism standards, eco-friendly infrastructure improvements, and awareness-raising campaigns.

Understanding Transformative Learning and Transformative Tourism

This study focuses on two major areas of transformative learning and transformative tourism. The study aims to understand how transformative learning theory developed by Jack Mezirow was first introduced to the academia and then adopted in the field of tourism. Transformative travel and tourism is an emerging paradigm in the travel industry, characterized by travel experiences that lead to profound personal growth, self-discovery, and societal benefits. This paper explores the intersections of transformative learning theory and transformational tourism experiences through a qualitative research approach. By synthesizing secondary data from diverse contexts and empirical studies, the study examines how transformative learning processes manifest in the context of travel and tourism. The theoretical framework draws on Mezirow’s transformative learning theory, emphasizing critical reflection and perspective learning. This study is based on a general review through thematic analysis of narratives. The research identifies mechanisms that facilitate transformative experiences during travel. The literatures highlight on novelty seeking, escapism, freedom, self-efficacy, the transformation of consciousness, self-development and personal growth, and subjective wellbeing which is an outcome of transformative travel. This study explores the concepts of transformation, transformative learning, transformational tourism, tourism motivation, tourism destination image, marketing, authenticity, satisfaction, and transformative experiences.

Using geotagged facial expressions to visualize and characterize different demographic groups’ emotion in theme parks

Tourism is an emotional sphere, and researchers focus on emotions to optimize tourism experiences. Tourism studies on emotions mostly ignore differences in emotions across demographic tourist groups by gender and age, thus limiting the understanding of emotions to the explicit characteristics of tourists’ emotions. On the basis of geotagged facial expressions on social media platforms, this study aims to visualize the emotions of groups in scenic spots and then reveal the variations between groups’ emotions within theme parks. By employing a facial recognition algorithm, an emotion distribution graph was proposed to represent groups’ emotions in detail. Some analytical methods were combined to characterize of the emotion distribution of each group. Through a comprehensive comparison, the results suggest that there are unique characteristics of emotion distribution for each group and considerable variations between them. This study helps researchers achieve a deeper understanding of tourists’ emotional differences and enhances the theorization of emotions. This research also highlights the advantages and significant practical implications of our method framework.

Emotional geographies of roadkill: Stained experiences of tourism in Tasmania

AbstractGlobally, road fatalities affect wildlife populations and ecosystems, leading to ecological imbalances, economic losses, and safety hazards for both animals and humans. However, the emotional toll on humans is less well understood. This research explores tourists’ responses to roadkill, using emotional geography as the overarching framework, and focusing on the island state of Tasmania in Australia. Tasmania is known for its diverse and abundant native wildlife, as well as the unfortunate distinction of having Australia’s highest rate of wildlife fatalities caused by vehicle collisions, commonly referred to as roadkill. A mixed‐method questionnaire asked respondents to share emotions, and we then considered their relationships to socio‐demographic attributes. Around 97% of respondents encountered roadkill during their stays, and 63% encountered live animals on or near the road. Tourists identified sadness as the most felt emotion when confronted with the consequences of wildlife–vehicle collisions. Anger and disgust were also experienced, primarily because of the unpleasant sight of roadkill and the realisation that animals suffered. Women reported being more negatively affected than men. Tourists who had visited to see wildlife were more affected than those who had not. Analysis leads to the conclusion that unplanned, sporadic, unexpected, and confronting encounters with dead animals detract from the tourism experience for most, especially encounters with wildlife was anticipated as a positive experience on tour. Such findings have wider implications for those working in the tourism industry in mainland Australia, Canada, and South Africa, where roadkill is also problematic.

“Cocoa-Based Tourism”: Exploring Tourists’ Image, Satisfaction and Loyalty Regarding a Cultural Heritage Destination

ABSTRACT This research aims to analyze the relationship between cocoa-based tourist experiences and tourists’ perceptions of image, satisfaction and loyalty regarding a cultural destination. A quantitative approach was used, with data obtained via surveys distributed to tourists participating in a cocoa-based culinary experience in the Dominican Republic. The survey was designed with items adapted from previous research. The theoretical model of the study was examined using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results indicate that cocoa-based culinary experiences are closely linked to tourists’ cognitive and affective perceptions of the destination, improving overall satisfaction and contributing to loyalty intentions. Destination image and destination satisfaction mediate the relationship between cocoa-based culinary experiences and tourist loyalty, suggesting that immersive dining experiences are critical in shaping destination perception and visitor engagement. This research offers novel contributions to gastronomic tourism because it focuses on cocoa as a central element of gastronomic tourism, in addition to examining its effects on destination marketing outcomes. It is one of the first studies to analyze gastronomic tourism from the cocoa perspective. The results expand the existing literature on gastronomic tourism, as the experiential aspects of cocoa consumption with regard to tourist behavior and destination loyalty are integrated.

Developing Madrasah Tourism Experience Model: Examining Tourist Psychological Variables through Systematic Literature Review

This study investigates the Madrasah Tourism Experience Model (MTEM), focusing on its role in understanding the complex interplay between cultural, psychological, and environmental factors in Madrasah tourism. Despite increasing interest in religious and cultural tourism, there is a significant research gap regarding the specific experiences and psychological impacts of visiting Madrasahs. This research addresses this gap by examining key psychological variables influencing tourists’ experiences in these settings. Using a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology, the study analyses 16 carefully selected articles from 327,715 papers to construct a comprehensive model. It highlights how social interaction, cultural engagement, novelty, pleasantness, and relaxation contribute to the tourist experience. The findings extend existing theoretical frameworks by exploring how cultural exchange and hospitality within Madrasah tourism can enhance psychological well-being and satisfaction. Key findings indicate that Madrasah tourism can be significantly improved through tailored experiences, such as guided tours and interactive exhibits, and by creating serene, immersive environments. This approach reaffirms established theories and introduces new insights specific to Madrasah tourism. The implications are significant for both academic researchers and tourism practitioners. The MTEM offers practical guidelines for enhancing visitor experiences and promoting sustainable tourism practices. By integrating cultural exchange and environmental stewardship, Madrasahs can provide more engaging and satisfying experiences, fostering long-term visitor loyalty and contributing to cultural and religious tourism.

The Influence of Experience Quality and Destination Image on The Behavioral Intentions of Lagundri Beach Tourists with Satisfaction as a Mediation

The current development of the tourism business is changing human lifestyles, especially in enjoying life and using free time with recreational activities. This research explores the relationship between the quality of experience obtained by tourists at Lagundri Beach and their intention to behave again, with satisfaction acting as a potential mediator. Through a quantitative approach and the use of questionnaires as a data collection tool from a sample of 156 people, this research seeks to fill the gap in understanding of the factors that influence tourists' behavioral intentions to return to this destination, especially the quality of experience and mediated by satisfaction. The results of the analysis show that the quality of experience enjoyed by tourists at Lagundri Beach has a significant influence on their level of satisfaction. Not only that, satisfaction also turns out to be a significant mediating factor in the relationship between the quality of experience and tourists' behavioral intentions to return. These findings not only provide important insights for the tourism industry in its efforts to improve the tourist experience at Lagundri Beach, but also provide a theoretical contribution in understanding the dynamics of tourist behavior and its influence on future travel decisions.

Examining the Mechanisms of Virtual Reality Tourism's Impact on the Mental Well-Being of Long-Term Care Facility Residents: Perspectives on Presence and Flow.

This study investigates the mechanisms of virtual reality (VR) tourism's impact on the well-being of residents in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). It aims to understand how presence and flow during VR experiences can enhance well-being. This experimental study used a quantitative approach with structured questionnaires to investigate VR experiences among LTCF residents in Taiwan. After obtaining ethical approval, 145 eligible participants from four LTCFs completed a full five-week VR tourism experience. Data collection took place from June to November 2022. This study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with Smart PLS software to analyze the causal relationships between latent variables. The results confirm that the more vivid the virtual reality image (β = 0.240, p < 0.05), the more immersive the experience (β = 0.267, p < 0.05), the greater the ability to control the experience (β = 0.465, p < 0.001), and the greater the ability to stimulate curiosity during the experience (β = 0.290, p < 0.05), the greater the sense of presence. Increased presence leads to user engagement and a state of flow (β = 0.556, p < 0.001), which is essential for personal hedonia (β = 0.453, p < 0.001) and eudaimonia (β = 0.220, p < 0.001). This study elucidates the mechanisms through which VR tourism experiences enhance well-being among LTCF residents, emphasizing the critical roles of presence and flow in promoting both hedonic and eudaimonic dimensions of well-being.

Revitalizing the Sri Lankan Economy: An In-Depth Exploration of Gastro Tourism as a Catalyst for Upliftment – Visitor Perspective

This paper explores the transformative potential of Gastro Tourism in Sri Lanka, assessing its ability to attract visitors and stimulate economic growth through the rich tapestry of culinary diversity. This study investigates the personal meanings associated with gastro tourism experiences by utilizing qualitative methods to gather and analyze insights from a diverse cohort of Sri Lankan-bound tourists. The purposive sampling tech2ique ensures a comprehensive understanding, incorporating individuals with extensive knowledge of Sri Lankan food culture and exposure to global gastronomy. The data collection technique involves in-depth interviews, allowing for a nuanced exploration of participants’ perspectives on Sri Lankan cuisine and gastro tourism. To ensure trustworthiness, the study adheres to Tracy’s (2010) criteria, emphasizing credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Thematic analysis is employed for data analysis, revealing five interconnected themes: Economic Transformation Through Culinary Experiences, Empowerment of Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses, Cultural Diplomacy Driving Economic Integration, Holistic Development, and Sustainable Growth and Rural Economic Upliftment. The thematic analysis underscores the multifaceted impact of gastro tourism on Sri Lanka’s economic resurgence, portraying it as a catalyst for economic vibrancy, entrepreneurship, cultural diplomacy, holistic development, and sustainable practices.

Mengintegrasikan Teknologi IoT dan Smart Destinations dalam Pengelolaan Pariwisata Berkelanjutan

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology with the concept of Smart Destinations offers an innovative solution in tourism management with the aim of improving operational efficiency and tourist experience. IoT technology, which includes interconnected sensor devices and communication systems, provides the ability to unify and manage various aspects of a destination in real-time. Meanwhile, Smart Destinations use digital technology to optimize the tourist experience through personalization, resource efficiency, and desire. This article discusses the background and key benefits of IoT integration in Smart Destinations, including improving the visitor experience through data and analytics, better crisis management, and more efficient resource management. Application examples such as smart parking systems, automated energy management, and providing contextual information to tourists through sensors are described to illustrate the practical application of this technology. However, challenges such as data privacy and security, technology compatibility issues, and significant investment requirements are also discussed. In conclusion, while this integration faces several obstacles, its potential benefits in improving the quality and efficiency of tourist destinations make it a promising approach for the future of the tourism industry.

Examining tourists’ personality traits and dining-in/dining-out preferences. An approach-avoidance theory perspective

ABSTRACT Food and dining are integral to the travel experience for tourists. Despite this, there is a lack of research on how tourists choose between dining in and dining out. Furthermore, these choices may be influenced by the tourists’ personality traits. To address this gap, this study explores how the Big Five personality traits impact tourists’ preferences for dining in or dining out hospitality services. We gathered data from 790 tourists through an online survey and employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data. The results reveal that Openness to Experience is positively associated with the preference for dining in services but negatively associated with avoiding dining in or out. Conscientiousness is positively related to avoiding dining in or out. Extraversion is positively linked with the preference for dining in or out services, while Agreeableness has no association with either approaching or avoiding dining in/out. Neuroticism is positively associated with both approaching or avoiding dining in or out services. This study is not only one of the initial studies examining the influence of personality traits on tourists’ dining preferences but also help practitioners develop strategies via tourists’ personality traits to increase revenue for dining in/out services.

Impact of Liminality in Organic Agricultural Tourism on Well-Being: The Role of Memorable Tourism Experiences as a Mediating Variable

Organic agricultural tourism integrates organic, toxin-free natural environments with agricultural industry and cultural lifestyles, creating a liminal space and experience away from everyday life. This study explores how this environment influences tourists’ memorable tourism experiences and subjective well-being. The research employed a questionnaire survey targeting tourists engaged in organic agricultural tourism in the Hualien and Taitung regions of Taiwan. This study used convenience sampling and collected a total of 440 valid questionnaires from 1 October to 30 December 2023. SPSS and PLS-SEM were employed as the analysis tools. The findings are as follows: 1. Developed scales for organic agricultural tourism liminal space, liminal experience, liminal place, and liminal benefits, validating their reliability and validity. 2. Verified that liminality has a significant positive impact on memorable tourism experiences, which in turn positively affect subjective well-being. 3. Identified and validated the mediating role of memorable tourism experiences in the relationship between liminality in organic agricultural tourism and subjective well-being. 4. Found that liminal experience has the most significant impact on memorable tourism experiences, followed by liminal benefits, highlighting the critical role of liminal experience in tourists gaining benefits from liminal spaces. 5. Expanded the application of liminality theory in tourism-related research, providing theoretical support for how organic agricultural tourism can deepen tourists’ memorable tourism experiences and enhance their subjective well-being through liminality. This study is innovative both in its theme and theoretical contributions, offering significant academic and practical implications for the field.