Why visit theme parks? A leisure constraints and perceived authenticity perspective

Abstract

Using the leisure constraints concept, this study investigates the effects of leisure constraints on authenticity, a topic that remains largely unexplored. It investigates impact of constraints to traveling overseas on visitors’ perception of the existential authenticity of theme parks that recreate the architecture, culture, environment, and atmosphere of a foreign location in their home country, and the impact on their motivation and intention to visit these attractions in the future. Using survey data of visitors of European-themed parks based in Taiwan, this study shows that theme parks may be perceived as existentially authentic, and constraints to touring overseas may affect existential authenticity perception and act as antecedent for motivation to visit theme parks. The effect differs from one type of leisure constraint to another. Scenery motivation positively influences existential authenticity and future visit intention. Existential authenticity prompts future visit intention.