Shopping in sanitised and un-sanitised spaces: Adding value to tourist experiences

Abstract

Tourism is one of the world's largest industries and therefore understanding tourist consumption behaviour is important for those involved in aspects of conception, development and management of retail spaces. Far from being limited to the purchase of souvenirs and local crafts, tourist shopping has taken on new significance as a key motivator for travel, and more importantly as an integral part of the overall tourism experience. However, tourism experiences are subjective and inconsistent and are informed and enriched by a diversity of intrinsic and extrinsic influences. Through the individual experiences of participants in a wider study of tourism consumption, this paper considers tourist shopping experiences in sanitised and un-sanitised spaces. Excerpts from their narratives give insights into shopping behaviour to highlight the significance of the experiential and intangible values, and the complexity of individual expectations, aspirations, desires and insecurities that are played out within the spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]