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Assessing Tourism Experiences: The Case of Heritage Attractions

The Handbook of Managing and Marketing Tourism Experiences

ISBN: 978-1-78635-290-3, eISBN: 978-1-78635-289-7

Publication date: 28 December 2016

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter presents a research paper with empirical investigation on tourism experiences specific to heritage attractions. It analyses the five principles of experience economy within the context of heritage attractions. The study aims to find out if heritage attractions are using the principles of experience economy to provide a fulfilling experience for visitors. The principles of the experience economy are having consistent theme, using positive cues, eliminating negative cues, offering memorabilia, and engaging the five senses.

Methodology/approach

The survey method was used to collect data from three separate heritage attractions in Jamaica. Frequency distribution was used to determine the observations in the sample.

Findings

Results of the study reveal that majority of visitors either agree or strongly agree that many of the elements comprising the principles of experience economy are in place. One similar drawback among the attractions is that they all use visual and aural messages which can distract or contradict the theme and consequently visitors’ experience.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the study is that it did not take into consideration the relationship between visitors’ experience and their expectations as well as visitor satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study will inform management of heritage attractions of the importance of having implementing the principles of experience economy so as to provide a fulfilling experience for visitors.

Keywords

Citation

Sinclair-Maragh, G. (2016), "Assessing Tourism Experiences: The Case of Heritage Attractions", Sotiriadis, M. and Gursoy, D. (Ed.) The Handbook of Managing and Marketing Tourism Experiences, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 487-506. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78635-290-320161021

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016 Emerald Group Publishing Limited