Visitor Perspective Research Articles

Reconceptualizing the dark ride experience using first-hand experience: Including the visitor's perspective

Dark rides embody a noteworthy phenomenon in theme park destinations and beyond, serving as a textbook example of structured experiences. They therefore offer valuable insights for knowledge development on structured experiences in the broader realm of tourism and leisure experiences. Despite various conceptualizations of the dark ride experience, the visitor's perspective has been largely overseen. Through qualitative interviews we explored 16 distinct dark rides, unveiling key constituent components of their experience and identifying contributing factors. Results indicate that dark rides are primarily appreciated for their ability to generate here-and-now experiences, characterized by imagery, imagery-based states, and emotions. However, visitors may inadvertently shift their focus to internal thoughts and cognitions based on motivation, opportunity, and ability-related switch factors, risking mental disengagement.

The value of technology and interactive systems in cultural heritage interpretation: a study based on existing empirical research

ABSTRACT The role of Technology and Interactive Systems in advancing cultural heritage interpretation holds significant value, which lacks a clear and systematic analysis. This study, grounded in the visitor perspective and based on a review of past empirical research findings, argues that Technology and Interactive Systems possess intellectual and experiential value in the context of cultural heritage interpretation. In terms of intelligence and knowledge, Technology and Interactive Systems can expand the scope of information in cultural heritage interpretation, enhance the effectiveness of information delivery, thereby optimizing the visitor's cognitive level regarding cultural heritage. Regarding experience, Technology and Interactive Systems cultivate and intensify visitor situational interest, establishing and strengthening emotional connections between the visitor and cultural heritage. Additionally, the study highlights value divergences and questions regarding the use of Technology and Interactive Systems in cultural heritage interpretation and proposes optimization strategies.

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.

New Challenges to Managing Cultural Routes: The Visitor Perspective

In recent decades, cultural routes have become increasingly important in the tourism offerings of rural destinations. It is vital to identify the factors that visitors consider important to their satisfaction with a cultural route and its overall impact on a tourist destination. This paper employs Principal Components Analysis (PCA) to investigate the dimensions of visitor satisfaction on cultural routes. A survey assessed satisfaction with 37 specific aspects of a cultural route in a tourist destination, revealing three key dimensions: satisfaction with destination characteristics, tourism infrastructure, and the cultural roots offerings. The findings highlight the need to move beyond traditional models of tourist satisfaction that focus on specific experiences and instead explore overall factors contributing to tourist satisfaction with a destination. The study examines cultural routes in rural regions of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County in Croatia and neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina. The scientific findings have significant implications for cultural route managers, aiding in the innovation and creation of offerings that will enhance tourist and visitor satisfaction.

Marketing communication for temple tourism destinations: from the perspective of post-COVID-19 pandemic visitors

The spread of Corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has had a negative impact on the tourism industry and the creative economy in Indonesia. Since February 2020 the number of foreign visitors coming to Indonesia has decreased. This also has an impact on state revenue in the tourism sector. Coupled with the existence of Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) and the closure of access to and out of Indonesia, it has also caused a decrease in state revenue in the tourism sector. The purpose of this research is to find out the marketing communication of temple tourism destinations after the COVID-19 pandemic from a visitor perspective. This research is a research with a qualitative approach. Data collection was carried out by interviewing visitors to temple tourism destinations (Prambanan Temple and Ratu Boko Temple). The conclusion from this research is that post-COVID-19 pandemic marketing communications for temple tourism destinations from the visitor's point of view have not been fully implemented. Because based on visitors, word of mouth is the strongest factor for visitors visiting temple tourist destinations.

The House Bukovac Experience

As a part of an in-depth institutional screening and an over a month-long consulting process, during the summer of 2022, at the Museums and Galleries of Konavle (MiGK), a survey was conducted among the visitors of one of the four MiGK units, House Bukovac (Kuća Bukovac) in Cavtat. The survey included an in-person conversation with each visitor, formed around five questions (for domestic and foreign visitors), either close-ended or semi-open, with none of the categories requiring more than two minutes to answer. To gather information on how the same institution has been seen by the locals, an online survey, with a modified set of three multiple-choice questions, was additionally conducted via the MiGK’s mailing list. The tool used for the two models was the online service Typeform with the survey structure and content created exclusively for House Bukovac research. On this occasion, we are revealing the results of both, providing a triple visitor perspective - local, domestic and foreign.

Visitors to national parks show positive attitudes towards recolonising wolves in the Bohemian Forest Ecosystem

Wolves (Canis lupus) are recolonising large swathes of their former European territories after a lengthy absence. This expanding distribution brings wolves to areas of naïve human communities, inflating risks to human-wildlife coexistence. As such, understanding public attitudes and perspectives to wolf return is central to supporting human-wildlife coexistence. Wolves returned to Germany in 2000 and sporadically to Czech Republic in the 1990s, but only few studies have assessed public attitudes. No research from a protected area visitor perspective has been conducted in Europe, despite their importance for outdoor recreation and nature conservation. We conducted face-to-face surveys of visitors, administered by enumerators during 2018–2019 (n = 869) in the Bavarian Forest and Šumava National Parks, which form a transboundary protected area along the German-Czech border, where the first wolves re-established in 2015. Primarily, we applied aspects of attitude theory, focusing on the components of attitudes (ABC Model of Attitudes) to examine support for wolves from national park visitors (locally and nationally) and if the visitors' attitudes towards wolves differ. We found substantial support for wolves recolonising Germany and Czech Republic (84.5 %), and agreement that wolves belong in these national parks (89.6 %). Attitudes varied most by country of residence, with Czech visitors more supportive than Germans. Transboundary management which recognises the human dimensions of large carnivore conservation is crucial to supporting coexistence. We highlight the importance of understanding the diverse sociocultural backgrounds across Europe which may influence attitudes towards wolves, and nature conservation areas to support long-term transboundary management policies, coexistence goals, and education.

Flamenco Dance and Visitor Loyalty: The Case of Cordoba-Spain

Flamenco dance is internationally recognized in the world. Its uniqueness based on ancestral culture and tradition is a current projection of immemorial dances. Currently, it is performed in schools, conservatories, and the so-called flamenco shows in some destinations, where visitors can enjoy it. Therefore, it is essential to deepen its management and study. This investigation aims to analyze the flamenco dance show from the perspective of the general visitor capability. To determine loyalty, the study focuses on tourist fidelity based on the show's perceived value, quality, and satisfaction. The fieldwork has been carried out in Córdoba (Spain). There are few studies on flamenco dance from the attending visitor's perspective, this being a novelty and a contribution to research. The methodology is founded on a partial least squares (PLS) structural equation model. A structured questionnaire has been used to meet the objective, and the conclusions acquired corroborate that the agreement and quality of flamenco dance positively influence tourist loyalty and, therefore, recommend returning to the destination and repeating the visit.

An Investigation into the Perception and Prevalence of Mixed-Species Exhibits in Zoos and Aquaria

Mixed-species exhibits (MSE) are a common occurrence within zoological collections. They increase species diversity and provide immersive yet naturalistic experiences for both species and visitors. Although mixed-species exhibits are a common housing method for animals in zoological collections, the literature on these enclosures is limited. Animals, keepers, and visitors have the potential to benefit, or be challenged MSE, so investigations of the benefits and limitations of this practice is necessary. This study investigated the presence of MSE in a range of England zoological collections and in zoo and aquarium-based literature. Additionally, zoo professional perception of MSE was investigated using online questionnaires. The study identified a mismatch between the types of species that feature in zoo and aquarium MSE, versus those that appear in the MSE literature. MSEs were identified as being enriching from both an animal and visitor perspective, yet there was sometimes limited information on the research output to support these statements. There is scope for zoo and aquarium professionals to widen the diversity of MSE projects, to ensure that the risks and benefits of this housing method are fully investigated.

The effect of hard infrastructure on perceived destination competitiveness: The moderating impact of mobile technology

Hard infrastructure is an important topic to research because of its importance to perceived destination competitiveness. Besides, tourism suppliers who adopt mobile technology can improve visitors' trip experiences. Moreover, Malaysia, is experiencing declined destination competitiveness ranking and poor hard infrastructure development in Sarawak. The primary goal of this research is to examine the hard infrastructures as determinants of perceived destination competitiveness and the moderating effect of mobile technology from the visitor's perspective. A total of 190 valid data were collected for further analysis. The data were analyzed using PLS-SEM approach. The result revealed that transportation and accommodation have a significant relationship with perceived destination competitiveness. Additionally, the relationship between telecommunication infrastructure and perceived destination competitiveness is moderated by mobile technology. The current study's findings aided scholars and practitioners by providing useful data backed up by empirical evidence on the moderating effect of mobile technology and the direct relationship between infrastructure and perceived destination competitiveness.

ANALISIS FAKTOR PENENTU MINAT BERKUNJUNG KEMBALI PADA DESTINASI WISATA TAMAN LIMO JATIWANGI BEKASI.

Pebryani Lestari, 2020. Analysis of Determinants of Interest in Revisiting the Taman Limo Jatiwangi Tourism Destination in Bekasi. Essay. Faculty of Economics and Business, Singaperbangsa Karawang University. This research was conducted using descriptive methods, namely collecting, presenting, analyzing and testing factor analysis, as well as making and suggesting. Samples were collected using random sampling technique with a sample size of 385 respondents and processed using SPSS 20. The results of this study indicate that there are 5 new factors that are formed from 21 indicators which are the influence of the determinants of interest in returning to the tourist destination of Taman Limo Jatiwangi Bekasi, these five factors are named Factor 1 which is named the Visitor Perspective Factor consisting of the Self indicator Fullfilment, Financial Security, Leisure Time, Relaxation, Amenities and Variety. Factor 2 is named the Expectation and Desire Factor consisting of indicators of Prestige, Romance, Wish Fullfilment and Local Activities. Factor 3 is named as the Destination Factor consisting of indicators of Fun Vacation Trip, Escape, Play, Strengthening Family Bonds, Educational Opportunity and Knowledge Driven. Factor 4 is named Implication Factor consisting of indicators of Business Travel and Government Business Travel. Factor 5 is given the name Factor consisting of indicators for Visiting Friends / Relatives and Sightseeing. Keywords: Determinants, Revisit Intention

온천관광축제 체험마케팅을 위한 패션 DIY 문화상품 개발

Local governments, which are already organizing various tourism festivals to boost the local economy and enhance their image, should focus on developing a festival with unique content and an individual identity. The hot spring tourism festival should offer tourists a distinct experience compared to other forms of regional tourism. Based on the model of the Yuseong Hot Springs Culture Festival, this research aims to develop experiential fashion cultural products suitable for the hot springs festival. Using theoretical research methods, this paper examines fashion and cultural products through precedent research, the festival experience from the visitor perspective, the components of effective marketing of experiences, and existing research on DIY fashion cultural products and consumer-participating products for customization as part of marketing the festival experience. Fashion items to be used for the commemorative events by tourists include bath robes, bath slippers, bath bags and hair bands shaped like sheep’s head, which have DIY components that tourists would assemble and decorate themselves. To strengthen the identity of the hot spring festival and enhance the visitor experience and satisfaction at the festival, tourists will make their own fashion cultural products and take commemorative photos to enhance the experience satisfaction of the hot spring festival. When tourists post photos taken in bath robe made by tourists themselves on Social Networking Service, it is also expected that this will serve as additional publicity for the festival.

The role of atmosphere in Italian museums: effects on brand perceptions and visitor behavioral intentions

ABSTRACT This paper examines the role of museum atmosphere in affecting brand trustworthiness, perceived quality, visitor satisfaction, and visitor behavioral intentions in a museum context in Italy. While broadly examined with reference to stores, atmosphere has been rarely looked at in the museum context, particularly in Italy, the authors developed a research framework to investigate the relationships among museum atmosphere, brand trustworthiness, perceived quality, intention to revisit, and intention to recommend. Using a survey as a research instrument, the study was conducted with 1,370 visitors of three Italian museums: Museo delle Culture (MUDEC), Museo del Novecento, and Galleria d’Arte Moderna (GAM). Results show that the museum atmosphere affects both perceptions of brand trustworthiness, and visitor behavioral intentions. The paper makes the case for using the development of the atmosphere as a strategy to include the visitor perspective in the museum value co-creation process. Theoretical and managerial implications are then outlined.

The early head start (EHS) home visitor perspective: What does it take to engage parents?

Parental engagement is at the root of successful outcomes for parents in early childhood home visiting programs (Korfmacher et al., 2008). In order to partner with families to set and achieve their goals, home visitors must both build and maintain a positive working relationship with each parent. Prior research has identified multiple factors that impact parental engagement in home visiting programs, related to the parent, the home visitor, and the program (Korfmacher et al., 2008; McCurdy & Daro, 2001).The home visitor characteristics identified in the literature focus on what it takes to get parents involved and engaged in program services, with myriad identified influences. A few studies have explored home visitors’ identified needs in engaging parents. This qualitative project interviewed 29 home visitors and 9 supervisors in four Early Head Start (EHS) programs to identify and explore the home visitors’ experience of what impacts their ability to engage parents.Providers identified three primary factors impacting their perceived ability to engage: their approach with families, their attitudes toward families, and the knowledge of resources used in order to engage families. Each home visitor described having different sets of strengths and areas of development they have matured through their work. Policy and program implications of these findings are also discussed.

Responsibility and preparedness for risk in national parks: results of a visitor survey

ABSTRACT In light of incident occurrence in recreational protected areas, there is a need to consider larger questions of risk and responsibility for visitor safety. Whether visitors in national parks think that their safety lies in the hands of themselves or others has important implications for the prevention of accidents. This paper sought to explore the visitor perspective of responsibility in Western Australian national parks. A visitor survey was administered over an eight-month period in 2017–2018 in four parks identified as high in visitor risk. Using data from 1059 questionnaires, a cluster analysis revealed four visitor groups who differ in their views on who is responsible for safety: the Shared Responsibility, the Individual Responsibility, the Management Responsibility, and the Indifference to Responsibility group. Further analysis revealed that visitors’ sense of responsibility was found to relate to risk perceptions, risk propensity and preparedness in parks. The results of this paper have important implications for management agencies, indicating that visitors vary in their expectations on how risks should be managed in parks. Avenues for further research are discussed.

How Domestic Visitors Relate to Te Papa Museum: The Other Roles of Modern Museums

The roles of modern museums have been scrutinized theoretically in museum studies, critical theory, cultural studies, and other academic disciplines, but there is a lack of empirical insights into their actual functioning from the visitor's perspective. The functions of modern museums are not so simple and straightforward as merely interactive learning experience and leisure. By drawing on the results of qualitative research that examined domestic visitors' motives and overall experiences at Te Papa museum in New Zealand, this study found that the nexuses between the physical and personal contexts and the physical and social contexts reveal different roles of the modern museum. The role of the modern museum is much broader than merely providing infotainment and leisure for families on a Sunday afternoon. The museum is an important site for social learning experiences; remembering historical and personal events; connecting visitors with the familiar and reinforcing their preexisting knowledge; and aesthetic, recreational, and restful experiences. These findings thereby offer interesting clues to museum practitioners to help them better understand their visitors and the wider roles modern museums may play in visitors' experiences as well as rethink the mission and goals of these types of institutions.

Examining the Impact of Naturalistic and Unnaturalistic Environmental Enrichment on Visitor Perception of Naturalness, Animal Welfare, and Conservation

ABSTRACTRecent research shows that using different types of enrichment has little to no impact on how zoo visitors perceive the animals or the enclosure in general. The primary objective of the current research was to examine if viewing naturalistic-looking environmental enrichment (NEE) and unnaturalistic-looking environmental enrichment (UEE) has an effect on visitor perceptions of exhibit naturalness, animal welfare, and conservation, while controlling for two factors that can influence visitor perspective: animal visibility and behavior. Study 1 examined the color of enrichment: the NEE was colored to resemble a rock and the UEE was fluorescent pink. Four conditions were recorded: Naturalistic/No Animal, Naturalistic/Animal, Unnaturalistic/No Animal, and Unnaturalistic/Animal. One video was shown to 306 randomly selected visitors who then took a survey including questions on animal welfare, exhibit naturalness, and supporting conservation organizations. Naturalistic/No Animal was perceived by visitors to be the most natural environment and the best of the exhibits for an animal to live in. Study 2 examined different types of NEE and UEE. Eight photos (four with an animal and four without) showing one out of four enrichment items (naturalistic rock, wood wool bedding, traffic cone, cardboard box) were shown to 618 randomly selected visitors who then took a survey similar to study 1. Visitors rated the photos with the NEE consistently higher for questions regarding the naturalness of the exhibit, good animal welfare, and the livability of the environment. Visitors were also asked to rank the four enrichment items from best to worst, and the NEEs were ranked significantly higher than the UEEs. While there are still many unanswered questions regarding visitor perceptions of environmental enrichment in zoos, we hope that focusing on one variant such as color and examining different types of NEE and UEE can help guide future studies on this subject.

Young people's perceptions of the principle of responsible travel behavior in destinations (Survey on students in Ho Chi Minh City)

Responsible tourism is a part of the issue set forth in the shared vision of sustainable tourism. The rapid development of tourism on a global scale requires social and environmental social responsibility for all stakeholders. Responsible tourism places the issue of tourism consumption in a more conscious way of preserving natural resources and the environment, respecting social and cultural values. Based on analyzing responsible tourism issues from a visitor perspective, this article implements a young tourist’s perception survey in Ho Chi Minh City on the behavior principle of responsible tourism to determine the level their understanding of responsible views and behavior. The survey conducted on students (high school and university) in Ho Chi Minh City with a questionnaire designed to collect information on tourism participation, information topics that are pre-planned for travel, and cognitive attitudes towards key issues of the principle of responsible travel behavior. From the survey results, a content framework on responsible tourism awareness tourism is proposed with the expectation to apply to the practice of communication and community education about responsible tourism.

Visitor perspectives on commenting in museums

ABSTRACTCommenting in museums is a well-established way to give visitors a voice and encourage engagement with exhibition themes and with the institution. Despite its many benefits, we know little about the visitor perspective on commenting as current literature focuses mainly on museum and technology perspectives. This paper reports on a survey exploring visitors’ mental models, expectations and preferences when submitting comments to a museum. It briefly discusses related literature, describes the survey methodology and presents findings structured into six themes, including visitors’ (i) preferences for different commenting and feedback mechanisms, (ii) interest in personal information about comment authors, (iii) expectations on who reads submitted comments, (iv) assumptions about comment moderation, (v) views on the conservation of comments and (vi) opinions on ownership and potential reuse of comments. The paper concludes with a discussion of limitations and suggestions on how findings might inform policies and practices around commenting in museums.

Effect of Visitor Perspective on Adoption Decisions at One Animal Shelter

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the visitor experience at one urban animal shelter. While several previous studies have examined the reasons particular nonhuman animals are chosen by adopters, few have investigated the possible reasons one would visit a shelter and leave without adopting. Over a two-month period, 158 visitors were surveyed after they were finished touring the shelter. One quarter of those exiting the shelter had adopted a pet (companion animal) compared to 11% who had been planning to adopt that day but did not. Almost 20% of survey respondents were just visiting with no plans for pet adoption either that day or in the near future. Being affectionate and friendly were important characteristics sought by potential adopters, although non-adopters reported more frequently than adopters that the animal’s reaction to them was important. Shelters should work toward increasing chances for pets to connect and interact with visitors and focus on educating and retaining the interest of those who are not quite ready for a new pet.