Factors that Generate Memorable Experiences in Cultural Tourism: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Within cultural tourism, the literature on memorable experiences is fragmented and lacks clear systematization, which constitutes the knowledge gap that guides this study. The goal was to analyze the recent literature on memorable experiences in cultural tourism, through a systematic literature review pointing out an organization of the dispersion found in the three main moments of the trip of every tourist: before, during and after. For this purpose, 58 articles published between 2019 and 2024 in Scopus were examined. The results identified fourteen factors, including authenticity, engagement and cultural exchange as determinants, and other emerging factors such as mindfulness, agreed memory and new technologies. A structured synthesis and framework for managing cultural experiences is provided.