This module focuses on the development of engaging tourism experiences, introducing you to the theoretical aspects of the development of engaging tourism experiences.

Authentic and memorable encounters are crucial in the current travel landscape and engaging tourism experiences have become a necessity to meet the changing demands of audiences. This approach to travel goes beyond the traditional sightseeing model, involving participants in the essence of a destination through hands-on activities, out-of-the-ordinary, immersive experiences and genuine interactions with locals and fellow travellers.

Throughout this module, we will explore the essential principles of narrative design, strategic planning, audience engagement, and innovative methodologies – tailored to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to create tourism experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.

This module equips cultural professionals, artisans, guides, tourism SMEs or professionals from other sectors with the necessary knowledge to enter the tourism sector by developing a relevant tourism offer. Devling into the theoretical and practical aspects of creating immersive and compelling narratives, adding a valuable layer to your expertise and enhancing your ability to captivate audiences through engaging tourism experiences.

2.2.1. Defining the Tourist Experience

A tourist experience can be defined as an interaction between tourists and destinations, with destinations being the site of the experience and tourists being the actors of the experience (Stamboulis & Skayannis, 2003). 

However, this concept presented by Stamboulis and Skayannis has since matured into a complex exchange involving destinations, tourists, and hosts, which is also closely linked to the concept of regenerative tourism principles. Modern tourism experiences can be broadly categorised into different types. 

First, there is the tourism destination as an experience. These experiences are the summary of all sub-experiences of a destination and encompass unique and broader aspects of engagement, such as destination storytelling and marketing, which play a crucial role in shaping visitors’ perceptions. Destination storytelling involves crafting narratives that showcase a location’s history, culture, and distinctive features, creating a compelling and immersive experience for tourists. The tourism destination as an experience goes beyond the physicality of a place; it encapsulates the emotional and sensory connections formed during the visit, emphasising the importance of a holistic and memorable encounter.

The second type is the individual tourism experience. These are focused on personalised journeys and cater to specific interests. They represent touch points throughout the visitor’s journey in a tourism destination (ex: an attraction or a meal in a theme park, specific accommodation, wine tasting as part of a guided tour, etc.). 

Niche Tourism Experiences: This category highlights specialised and often offbeat adventures that cater to niche interests or passions. Niche experiences revolve around very specific themes and need to be promoted differently and in a very targeted way (ex: targeting bird specialists for a birdwatching retreat). These experiences appeal to a select audience seeking unique and in-depth engagements beyond mainstream tourism.

In essence, the evolution of tourism experiences reflects a shift from an unidirectional interaction between tourists and destinations to a multifaceted exchange involving all stakeholders. Today’s tourists actively seek diverse, personalised, and specialised encounters, transforming tourism into a dynamic and enriching exchange between visitors, the locales they explore, and the communities that host them.

Understanding tourism experiences is crucial in today’s travel landscape, where people actively seek unique and memorable encounters. These shifts have led to the creation of experiences that meet the new and evolving demands of travellers today and at the same time give businesses a competitive advantage by making them stand out. Despite the recognised importance of these experiences by experts and decision-makers, there is still some confusion about what exactly “tourism experience” means. 

Experiences include every aspect, from economic growth to personal emotions. They start with booking and communication before the actual experience and continue afterwards with the sharing of memories and photos on social media or sharing stories with friends and relatives. As technology continues to play a big role in shaping how we experience things, from the internet to virtual reality, organisations are placing more focus on creating meaningful experiences for travellers. This shift in focus from just the main activity to all the other things around it highlights the importance of collaboration between different businesses and groups to give tourists a complete and positive experience, including the connection with host communities.

2.2.2. Experiential Tourism

Experiential tourism is often regarded as a transformative approach to travel. It goes beyond conventional sightseeing to emphasise active engagement and personal connection with the destination. In contrast to traditional tourism, which primarily involves observing attractions, experiential tourism immerses travellers in the local culture, fostering authentic interactions and hands-on participation. This dynamic form of travel seeks to create lasting memories by providing unique, sensorial, and often adventurous encounters that go beyond the typical tourist experience. The following sections will cover the key aspects of experiential tourism, exploring its principles, benefits, and the pivotal role it plays in shaping the future of the travel industry.

2.2.3. Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism Experiences

Sustainable and regenerative tourism experiences have grown in recent years. These encompass the phases before, during, and after a journey and represent a holistic approach to tourism development. Sustainable experiences are designed with a commitment to minimising negative environmental impacts and maximising positive contributions to host communities. Before the trip, sustainable tourism experiences focus on careful planning and considerate preparation, aiming to reduce ecological footprints and support local economies. During the journey, these experiences prioritise responsible practices that respect natural resources, wildlife, and cultural heritage. Additionally, regenerative tourism experiences take a long-term view, actively seeking to contribute to the restoration and improvement of destinations. They aspire to create a positive and enduring impact on host communities by fostering social and economic benefits. In essence, embracing sustainable and regenerative principles in tourism ensures that the industry becomes a force for positive change, benefiting both travellers and the communities they visit.

2.3.1. Introduction

The Experience Economy refers to an economic model where businesses and individuals emphasise the creation and delivery of memorable and engaging experiences as a key component of their value proposition. This concept was first introduced by authors Joseph Pine II and James H. Gilmore in their 1998 Harvard Business Review article titled “Welcome to the Experience Economy.” In this model, experiences are considered a distinct economic offering, surpassing commodities, goods, and services in terms of consumer value. The authors argue that in the Experience Economy, businesses can stage experiences that are not only enjoyable but also create a profound impact, forging lasting connections with customers. The concept has since become a guiding principle for various industries, encouraging them to prioritise the design and delivery of meaningful and transformative experiences.

​​In the competitive tourism industry, creating memorable experiences is crucial for the marketing success of every business. The pursuit of special and unforgettable memories is essential for achieving sustainable competitiveness (LaSalle & Britton 2003). Memorable experiences not only contribute significantly to a tourism organisation’s competitive advantages but also foster long-term sustainability by building destination loyalty (Pizam 2010; Tung & Ritchie 2011; Chen and Rahman 2018). The ability to provide such distinctive experiences sets tourism businesses apart, creating a unique competitive edge (Morgan & Xu 2009; Kim et al. 2012). Beyond immediate benefits, these experiences result in repeat visits, customer loyalty, and positive word-of-mouth recommendations, solidifying a business’s position in the industry (Berry et al. 2002; Chen & Rahman 2018).

2.3.2 The Power of Experiences for Transformation

In the era of the Experience Economy, the significance of encounters transcends mere transactions, evolving into powerful tools for transformation. This paradigm shift recognises that contemporary consumers, including both visitors and hosts within the tourism industry, increasingly seek more than just products or services – they crave meaningful and transformative experiences. At the core of this shift is the acknowledgement that the value of an experience goes beyond its tangible elements; it lies in the emotional and transformative impact it imparts. A meaningful and transformative experience involves a deep connection, resonating with individuals on a personal level. It has the potential to inspire, challenge perspectives, and leave lasting impressions that extend far beyond the immediate encounter. Such experiences are characterised by authenticity, fostering genuine connections between visitors and hosts, enriching lives, and contributing to personal growth. Understanding and crafting these meaningful and transformative encounters become pivotal for both the tourism industry and those who partake in it.

2.3.3.Meaningful and Transformative Experiences (MTEs)

According to Smit and Melissen (2018), almost all experiences can be categorised based on their position on two dimensions: 

• • “the duration of the experience (from short, one-off events, few seconds encounters, to situations that could last days, weeks or even months) ; 

• the outcome of the experience (from a positive or negative memory to a radical sustained change in the person involved through learning or skill development).”

Figure 1 – Four Categories of experiences

Source: Smit and Melissen, 2018

2.3.4. Elements of MTEs 

Tourism experiences become meaningful when they are crafted through a combination of elements that resonate with visitors on a personal level and make the experience memorable. A memorable experience is defined as “a tourism experience remembered and recalled after the event has occurred” (Kim et al. 2010). However, not every tourism experience is recorded by the visitor. “Tourists tend to remember the experience when it evokes shared experiences, unexpected events, abundant service options, and notable services and when they feel it was worth it” (Morgan, 2010). Here are key elements that can create an MTE: 

• Authenticity: the genuine representation of local culture, traditions, and heritage creates a connection that goes beyond superficial encounters;
• Personalisation: tailoring experiences to align with the interests and preferences of individual visitors. Interactivity and engagement contribute significantly; 
• Active participation: rather than passive observation enhances the overall impact of the experience;
• A sense of place: the ambience, characterised by unique and distinctive features of the physical environment, further enriches the meaningfulness of the encounter;
• Refreshment: the state of feeling renewed from experience is an important variable for creating an MTE; 
• Conclusion: the way the experience concludes plays a key role in its memorability.

Figure 2 – Memorable Experience Dimensions and Related Themes

Source: Saurabh Kumar Dixit, 2020

The essence of Memorable Tourism Experiences (MTE) can be categorised around four main dimensions: Ambience, Culture, Interpersonal Relationships, and Individual/Psychological aspects. The aesthetic dimension includes the physical environment, while interactions with the local culture contribute to memorable experiences. Interpersonal relationships, often overlooked, play a crucial role, and psychological factors like novelty and emotions are key components. Additionally, personal value is essential in creating memorable experiences, and outcomes include personal transformations, well-being, place attachment, memory, and behavioural intentions. The chronological process of MTE, from pre-trip to post-trip, influences personal meanings and memory creation.

Type 1: Elements of a Destination MTE: Developing a meaningful tourism experience in destination management involves strategic planning to ensure sustainable development, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance visitor accessibility. Engaging local communities, promoting safety, and offering diversified experiences contribute to a positive visit. By integrating technology, organising events, and collaborating with stakeholders, destination managers can create well-rounded and unique tourism offerings. Providing educational resources, comprehensive tourist assistance, and monitoring the impact of tourism contribute to a balanced approach that benefits both visitors and the local community, fostering sustainable tourism practices and creating a memorable experience for tourists.

Best Practice Example (EN) : Breathe – A Faroe Islands Story.

Type 2: Elements of an Individual MTE: “Experience is subjective and private (Trigo 2010); therefore, two individuals cannot live the same experience (Pine & Gilmore 1998)”. 

It is true that while tourism businesses try to satisfy the demand of tourists, they can not predict what experiences tourists will create – which “depends on tourists’ mental awareness toward experiences, earlier experiences and general interest regime” (Sundbo and Sundbo 2018). Therefore, the tourism business can only deliver experience propositions. Despite this, one may design the experience in order to enhance it. 

The memorability of an experience is influenced by several factors, according to Pine and Gilmore (2011). These elements include the multisensory nature of the experience, the level of personal meaningfulness it holds, whether and how it is shared, its complexity or simplicity, the intensity and duration of experiential elements, cultural considerations, and the influence of prior life experiences. In essence, the richness and impact of a memorable event are shaped by a combination of sensory, personal, social, cognitive, and cultural dimensions. Research about the central characteristics of memorable experiences centre around evoking emotions, stimulating the five senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste) and/or arousing positive emotions (happiness, fun, surprise, joy, contentment) as well as providing novelty for the tourist. These elements contribute to creating a meaningful experience for the tourist.

In sectors such as hospitality, a meaningful experience is characterised by personalised and authentic interactions that go beyond conventional services. It involves tailoring offerings to individual preferences, fostering cultural immersion, and providing exceptional customer service that exceeds expectations. Engaging guests on a personal level, promoting sustainability, and offering local experiences contribute to creating a memorable stay. Furthermore, the overall experience is further enhanced by well-designed spaces, emotional connections, and a focus on ease and convenience. Finally, technology integration, flexibility, and a commitment to safety add layers of value, ensuring that guests not only enjoy their stay but also form a lasting connection with the destination and the hospitality provider.

Best Practice Example (EN): National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World: Fogo Island Inn

As for the museum sector, ensuring a meaningful tourism experience involves curated exhibits with informative content, engaging presentations, and a focus on visitor education. The active involvement of visitors through guided tours, workshops, and interactive displays, fosters a deeper understanding of the collections. Incorporating technology, ensuring accessibility, and collaborating with the community contribute to a more inclusive and enriching visit. For example, a history museum could utilise touch screens or virtual reality to allow visitors to explore historical events in a more immersive way. This not only educates but also provides a memorable and hands-on experience. Creating a comfortable environment, showcasing culturally significant artefacts, and using effective storytelling techniques also enhance the overall experience. A natural history museum, for instance, might organise themed tours that connect different exhibits through a captivating narrative, providing context and fostering a deeper appreciation. Continuous improvement based on visitor feedback, innovative exhibits, and digital engagement beyond the visit contribute to a museum’s success in providing meaningful and memorable experiences for tourists. 

“There is no memorable experience without personal value, which means that tourists themselves give meaning to their experiences and, therefore, make them remarkable and memorable. This notion also confirms that the ultimate degree of MTE is self-transformation.” (Saurabh Kumar Dixit, 2020) 

Destination Attributes	Individual Attributes
Infrastructure	Sensory Engagement
Accessibility	Personal Meaningfulness
Local Culture/History	Social Interaction
Physiography	Cognitive Complexity
Activities and Events	Cultural Considerations
Destination Management	Prior Life Experiences
Quality of Service	Personal Value
Hospitality	Self-Transformation
Place Attachment	Personalised Interactions
Superstructure	Cultural Immersion

Figure 3 – Tourism destination vs individual attributes as antecedents to a memorable tourism experience

Source: Kim, 2014 and various authors

In this table, the left column lists the ten destination attributes proposed by Kim (2014) as antecedents to a memorable tourism experience. The right column corresponds to individual attributes that influence the memorability of a tourism experience, as discussed in the information provided earlier. The goal is to show the alignment between the destination-level factors and the individual-level factors that contribute to creating a meaningful and memorable tourism experience.

2.3.5. Transformational Aspects for Visitors and Hosts

Meaningful experiences have the potential to be transformative for both visitors and hosts. For visitors, these encounters can lead to a broader worldview, increased cultural sensitivity, and a deeper appreciation for diversity. Exposure to new perspectives and ways of life can challenge preconceptions and foster personal growth. Simultaneously, hosts benefit from this exchange by gaining insights into different cultures, building bridges of understanding, and often experiencing economic empowerment through sustainable tourism practices. 

The transformative nature of these experiences lies in their ability to create a positive impact on individuals, fostering a sense of shared humanity and interconnectedness between visitors and hosts. 

Improvement of well-being: Meaningful and engaging tourism experiences play a crucial role in influencing tourists’ overall well-being. Research on wellness tourism underscores that diverse wellness tourism experiences, encompassing educational, entertainment, esthetic, and escape elements, contribute significantly to make tourists feel happier and more fulfilled during their travels. Educational experiences directly impact the deeper, purpose-driven aspects of well-being, while entertainment, esthetic, and escape experiences enhance the positive and pleasurable emotions of tourists, reducing negative emotions and promoting holistic well-being. Importantly, studies emphasise that the satisfaction derived from these experiences acts as a virtuous circle, further enhancing the positive impact on well-being. This insight suggests that tourism planners and industry stakeholders should prioritise creating diverse and enriching experiences tailored to the preferences and needs of tourists. By recognising the distinct effects of various tourism dimensions on well-being, destination managers can design more targeted and effective strategies to foster positive emotions, personal growth, and overall satisfaction, thereby contributing to a more fulfilling and well-rounded tourist experience (Liu L, Zhou Y, & Sun X, 2023).

“Not every experience should be designed to be transformational, nor should every encounter or interface in tourism and hospitality be designed to be extraordinary. However, it can be beneficial to align them in such a way that they create extended experiences. Doing so requires a purposive design that starts with the choice for the specific experience and its intended impact on consumers” (Saurabh Kumar Dixit, 2020) 

Experience design is not a process of predicting or controlling outcomes but it is about “designing for experiences”. “So the task of experience design is to design and organise frameworks, develop objects and situations and plan sequences of events which can contribute to interesting and relevant experiences on a physiological, emotional and cognitive level for the tourist (Jantzen et al. 2012).”

 

2.4.1. A Holistic Approach to Experience Design

 

Figure 4 – Life’s universal design principles applied to human contexts

Source: Michelle Holliday, 2022

Life’s universal design principles can be listed as the four following items: Parts, Relationship, Whole, Life. They offer a framework for approaching design and understanding the interconnectedness and dynamic nature of the world around us. By using these principles in human contexts we get:

Parts > Passion or “Inviting Divergence”: This principle suggests that focusing on individual contributions and passions can lead to a richer collective experience. Embracing diversity and divergence in perspectives and skills can enhance creativity and innovation.

Relationship > Practice or “Designing for Flow”: Here, the relationship quality and the collaborative process are emphasised. “Designing for flow” implies creating environments and practices that facilitate smooth collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning.

Whole > Purpose or “Sensing Convergence”: This principle highlights the importance of a shared purpose and the potential for collective wisdom and healing when individuals come together. “Sensing convergence” suggests an awareness of the shared goals and values that unite people.

Life > Stewardship or “Aligning with Life”: This principle encourages aligning human endeavours with the natural, self-organising, and emergent processes of life. “Aligning with life” implies fostering sustainable practices and supporting the inherent dynamism of life. 

 

Figure 5 – Practices of Stewardship

Source: Michelle Holliday, 2022

These principles collectively suggest a holistic and interconnected view of human interactions, emphasising collaboration, diversity, purpose, and alignment with the natural order. They provide a framework for fostering a thriving and sustainable human experience. 

2.4.2. The Role of Collaborative Design (Co-Design)

Co-design plays a crucial role in shaping and enhancing engaging tourism experiences by fostering collaborative input from various stakeholders. In the tourism sector, co-design involves bringing together tourists, local communities, businesses, and other relevant parties to collectively contribute to the design and development of tourism offerings. This collaborative approach ensures that the experiences are not only tailored to the needs and preferences of the visitors but also reflect the authentic character and cultural richness of the destination. Involving tourists in the design process promotes a sense of ownership and connection, as their perspectives contribute to the creation of memorable and meaningful experiences. Additionally, co-design facilitates the incorporation of diverse cultural elements, ensuring that the tourism offerings resonate with both the visitors and the local community, resulting in a more engaging and inclusive overall tourism experience.

Co-design through storytelling: “Storytelling is a powerful tool for influencing the visitor experience of a destination, site or particular tourism product. It provides a framework for hosting the visitor experience, and as the visitor interacts with the offering they are actively co-creating their own experience with their local hosts and then taking away their own unique visitor experience as the product of tourism.” 

Co-design through storytelling is a powerful method for creating engaging tourism experiences that connect visitors with local communities. By bringing together locals, businesses, and tourists, this approach ensures a well-rounded representation of cultural narratives. Storytelling workshops serve as a platform to collect diverse stories, and collaborative sessions empower stakeholders to contribute ideas and cultural insights. These efforts result in the incorporation of identified themes into key tourism experiences, like guided tours. For instance, a city tour might include stories shared by locals, providing visitors with a more authentic understanding of the destination. The collaborative and narrative-focused approach not only enhances engagement but also makes the tourism experience more immersive and memorable, reflecting the cultural essence of the place. Importantly, this inclusive approach fosters sustainable and positive relationships between tourists and local communities, ensuring that the tourism experience contributes meaningfully to both parties.

This approach not only satisfies the interests of tourists but also respects and promotes the cultural heritage of the destination, fostering a more meaningful connection between visitors and the local community.

2.4.3. The Experience Design Process

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to creating memorable experiences. Managers must understand visitors’ needs, expectations, and reasons for visiting. Understanding visitors’ interests is crucial for delivering personalised and relevant experiences. Personal relevance and alignment with visitors’ interests increase the likelihood of creating memorable tourism experiences.

2.4.3.1. Before the Experience 

Pre-experience design plays a pivotal role in crafting engaging tourism experiences by proactively involving tourists before they reach the destination. Providing a rich array of materials, information, videos, and interactive content not only serves to build anticipation but also immerses visitors in the essence of the upcoming experience. Engaging tourists through informative guides, virtual tours, and multimedia content enables them to familiarise themselves with the destination’s cultural nuances, historical significance, and unique attractions. This preparatory engagement sparks curiosity and sets the stage for a more meaningful on-site experience. Moreover, personalised communication, such as tailored itineraries or travel tips, enhances the connection between the tourist and the destination, fostering a sense of involvement even before the journey begins. The effective use of pre-experience design not only heightens the overall anticipation but also contributes to a more informed, excited, and engaged tourist, setting the foundation for a memorable and immersive travel encounter (See Module 5 Building your Brand Marketing Strategy : 2.2 Definitions – Defining the Brand and Marketing Strategy for more information please).

 

2.4.3.2. Steps for Experience Planning

Figure 6 – A generic model of the design process

Source: Cross, 1994

The experience design process consists the following steps: 

1. Clarifying Objectives

• What is the purpose of the tourism experience? How can it be holistic and regenerative? 
• What are customer objectives? Which personas can represent the targeted demographics and their holistic aspirations?
• What are the objectives of the project in terms of meaningfulness and memorability?
• What stakeholders should be involved in the project?
• How can you ensure that the project encompasses common objectives of all stakeholders?

2. Establishing Functions

• What are the holistic functions of the experience?
• How can the design of the overall experience create a seamless and holistic customer journey?
• What are the different customer touchpoints (elements customers go through during the experience)?
• Relate each touchpoint to the overall holistic functions of the experience. How can these touchpoints be interconnected?
• How can this experience be transformational and contribute to the holistic journey of the customer?

3. Setting Requirements

• Considering the holistic objectives and functions that were set for this experience, what performance requirements should be defined?
• What solutions could be set to meet these requirements? These solutions can be related to customer personas or operational, technical, spatial, financial, and legal specifications.

4. Determining Characteristics of the End Product

• Link persona and holistic objectives to engineering characteristics such as sound, smell, and spatial design, to ensure a holistic sensory experience.
• How can these individual design objectives be connected to achieve a holistic and memorable experience?

5. Generating Alternatives

• Use your creativity to generate alternatives, considering both new and existing solutions with a holistic lens. List possible solutions and identify successful combinations that enhance the overall holistic experience based on objectives and requirements.

6. Evaluating Alternatives

• Review the design process with a focus on ensuring a consistent and interconnected experience.
• Reflect on decisions with relevant stakeholders, considering the holistic impact on various aspects of the experience.
• Ensure design alternatives meet criteria consistently and contribute to an overall holistic outcome.

7. Improve Details

• Focus on effective and efficient implementation, addressing details related to materials, technologies, staff selection, and training with a holistic perspective.
• Incorporate improvements based on customer and community feedback after the experience, ensuring a continuous enhancement of the holistic journey.

Conclusion

This model emphasises a holistic and interconnected approach to experience planning, aiming for a consistent impact on consumers. By shifting the focus from controlling individual reactions to sensory experiences to achieving a shared positive outcome, businesses can create more meaningful and memorable tourism and hospitality experiences. Consistent application of these methods aids in developing effective solutions for the right problems, fostering a sustainable and holistic experience even after the design has been implemented.

2.4.3.3. Improving the Key Experience

Planning and applying storytelling in experience design

Storytelling can significantly enhance the creation of engaging tourism experiences, especially by incorporating collaborative narratives into the design process. Here’s how this can be achieved:

1. Stakeholder Involvement: Begin by involving a diverse group of stakeholders, including local communities, tourists, tour operators, and cultural experts. Gather insights into the unique stories, traditions, and historical narratives of the destination.
2. Storytelling Workshops: Conduct storytelling workshops or sessions where participants can share personal or community stories related to the destination. Encourage open dialogue to uncover the most compelling and authentic narratives.
3. Identifying Key Themes: Work collaboratively to identify key themes or elements from the stories that resonate with both locals and potential tourists. These themes could include cultural traditions, historical events, or natural wonders.
4. Designing Experiences: Utilise the identified themes to co-design tourism experiences. This may involve creating guided tours, interactive exhibits, or immersive activities that bring the stories to life. Ensure that the experiences align with the values and aspirations of the local community.
5. Interactive Storytelling Platforms: Integrate interactive storytelling platforms, such as mobile apps or multimedia installations, that allow tourists to actively engage with the stories during their visit. This could include audio guides, augmented reality, or virtual reality experiences.
6. Community Empowerment: Empower the local community to actively participate in the delivery of these experiences. This can involve training locals as storytellers or guides, fostering a sense of pride and ownership in sharing their cultural narratives.
7. Feedback Loops: Establish feedback loops to continuously refine and adapt the storytelling experiences based on the responses and preferences of both tourists and the local community. This iterative process ensures ongoing improvement and relevance.
8. Cultural Sensitivity: Maintain cultural sensitivity throughout the co-design process to avoid misrepresentation or appropriation of local stories. Respectful collaboration ensures that the narratives are shared in a meaningful and authentic way.

By incorporating co-design through storytelling, tourism experiences can become more engaging, immersive, and culturally rich. This collaborative approach not only satisfies the interests of tourists but also respects and promotes the cultural heritage of the destination, fostering a deeper and more meaningful connection between visitors and the local community.

2.4.3.4. After the Experience 

MTEs are characterised by long-lasting vivid memories. Visitors seek compelling and memorable experiences rather than a set of services just meeting their expectations. This is why redefining the post-visit connection between tourists and experiences is crucial to enhancing the memorability of an experience. 

An important part of extending the engagement beyond physical presence is to offer visitors a dynamic means to relive and share their experiences long after departure and encourage ongoing interaction with the hosts or destination. 

Community engagement initiatives encourage this ongoing interaction, fostering a sense of connection through social media platforms, online forums, or virtual events. This could involve inviting tourists to join virtual discussions with locals about the destination’s culture or participate in virtual workshops that further deepen their understanding. Additionally, feedback mechanisms allow tourists to share insights, ensuring continuous improvement and relevance. This is also a way to extend co-design after the experience.

Here are some other innovative ideas that can enhance the post-visit connection between tourists and destinations: 

• Designing online challenges or games inspired by the destination can also foster continued engagement and learning. This could involve solving puzzles related to historical landmarks or participating in virtual scavenger hunts.
• Sending tourists curated culinary exploration kits featuring local ingredients and recipes encountered during their visit. This hands-on experience brings a taste of the destination into their homes, connecting them with the local culture.
• Developing personalised travel apps that continue to provide insights, recommendations, and updates based on the tourist’s preferences. These apps can serve as ongoing travel companions, keeping the destination alive in the tourist’s mind.

• Creating a time capsule experience where tourists can contribute digital memories, messages, or photos to be opened or shared at a later date. This adds an element of anticipation and connection to the ongoing story of the destination.

These innovative ideas go beyond traditional souvenirs, fostering sustained engagement and ensuring that the tourist experience continues to evolve and resonate long after the visit concludes (See Module 5 Building your Brand Marketing Strategy : 2.6. Building Customer Loyalty for more information please).

2.4.4. Innovations for Developing Engaging Tourism Experiences

Innovation stands as a key driver in the evolution of captivating tourism experiences, with its impact extending across various dimensions. Adopting an innovation culture within tourism organisations provides the necessary groundwork for the successful implementation of groundbreaking strategies. It can also help foster sustainability, regeneration and accessibility. 

An example of such innovation is the integration of gamification techniques, which involves incorporating game design elements into non-gaming scenarios. Gamification proves to be a dynamic tool in destination marketing and management, offering diverse applications. For instance, gamified loyalty programmes can incentivise repeat visits through reward systems, while interactive wayfinding experiences, like treasure hunts, promote sustainable exploration and discovery within a destination. Immersive learning experiences, employing quizzes and interactive exhibits, serve to educate tourists about the rich history and culture of a locale. Furthermore, the application of advanced information and communication technologies, exemplified by smart destination or business management, enables real-time monitoring and decision-making, ensuring destinations and businesses remain adaptable to changing conditions. The infusion of augmented reality through gamification apps adds an extra layer, enriching learning, engagement, and interaction for tourists. 

Collectively, these innovative approaches contribute to the creation of memorable and distinctive tourism experiences, bolstering the competitiveness of destinations in the global tourism landscape.

Accessible Tourism

Accessible tourism is a “form of tourism that involves collaborative processes between stakeholders that enables people with access requirements, including mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive dimensions of access, to function independently and with equity and dignity through the delivery of universally designed tourism products, services and environments” (Buhalis and Darcy, 2011).

For tourism professionals seeking to develop accessible tourism experiences, adopting a comprehensive and inclusive approach is essential. Firstly, it is crucial to gain a thorough understanding of the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities (PwD) by engaging with disability organisations (such as the World Health Organization (WHO), or the Disabled People’s International (DPI)), consulting accessibility guidelines, and participating in training programs. Embracing universal design principles ensures that services and facilities are usable by all, regardless of their abilities. Collaborating with local authorities, disability advocates, and technology experts is key to leveraging innovations and creating a digital ecosystem that fosters accessibility. This includes developing user-friendly websites and mobile applications, providing real-time information, and employing virtual tools such as augmented reality for navigation. One can establish partnerships with accessible transportation providers and accommodation facilities enhancing the overall travel experience for PwD. Moreover, the incorporation of accessible amenities, such as ramps, tactile pathways, and assistive technologies, into existing infrastructures demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity. Finally, regularly seeking feedback from PwD and adapting services based on their input is crucial for continuous improvement. 

By embracing these strategies and committing to the principles of accessible tourism, professionals can not only enhance the inclusivity of their offerings but also contribute to the growth of this vital and underserved market segment.