Creating Experiences for Study-Abroad Tourists

Abstract

Effects of tourist activity type and locus of activity structure on subjective experiences of study-abroad tourists were examined. Subjective experiences measured included perceived value, delight, and prevalence of deep structured experience. These subjective experiences (n = 208) were measured immediately following participation in tourist activities at 13 attractions and settings. Each tourist activity was coded according to (a) experience type, and (b) locus of activity structure. Experience type categories included activities emphasizing narratives (engagement), activities emphasizing sensory stimulation (absorption), activities requiring skill performance (immersion), and familiar activities. Locus of activity structure referred to the source of the primary determinants of the essential features of the activity and the activity environment. Locus of activity structure categories were provider-centric, activity-centric, and tourist-centric. Both tourist activity type and locus of structuring were found to elevate subjective experiences