Family Tourists' Emotional Responses at World Heritage Sites: Impact of Existential Authenticity and Interpersonal Interaction

Strategic Insights -

Investigating the emotional responses of family tourists at world heritage sites, a recent study applied cognitive appraisal theory to explore the effects of existential authenticity and interpersonal interaction. Conducted among family tourists visiting Pingyao Ancient City, a UNESCO world heritage destination in Northern China, the research aimed to understand how emotional experiences are formed in the context of family tourism at these sites. Financially supported by the National Office of Philosophy and Social Sciences, the study involved 347 family tourists and revealed significant relationships between existential authenticity, interpersonal interaction, and emotional responses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study used cognitive appraisal theory to investigate emotional responses among family tourists at world heritage sites, highlighting the importance of authenticity and interpersonal interaction.
  • Existential authenticity, comprising intrapersonal and interpersonal authenticity, played a crucial role in evoking emotional experiences among family tourists, leading to increased cohesion and storytelling behavior.
  • Interpersonal interaction within families was found to be essential in generating emotional experiences, which in turn led to storytelling and family cohesion.
  • The study provides insight into how to elicit emotions among family tourists at heritage destinations, enhancing their overall experience.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Tourism Review, highlighting its credibility and significance in the field of tourism research.
  • The study emphasizes the importance of authenticity and interpersonal interaction in tourism experiences, suggesting that tourism destinations should focus on preserving and showcasing these aspects to cater to the emotional needs of family tourists.
  • The findings of this study have practical implications for tourism management, as they suggest the need for destination managers to prioritize authenticity and interpersonal interaction in their marketing and operational strategies.

Statistics:

  • The study involved 347 family tourists who had travel experience at Pingyao Ancient City.
  • The research utilized structural equation modeling analysis to examine the relationships between existential authenticity, interpersonal interaction, and emotional experiences.
  • The study reported a significant positive relationship between existential authenticity and emotional experiences (r = 0.73, p < 0.001).
  • Interpersonal interaction within families was found to be a strong predictor of emotional experiences (β = 0.45, p < 0.001).
  • The research concluded that the study provides a clear understanding of how to elicit emotions among family tourists at heritage destinations.

Sources:

  • Family Tourists' Emotional Responses At World Heritage Sites (Whss): the Effects of Existential Authenticity and Interpersonal Interaction. Tourism Review, 2024;79(4):840-854.
  • Emerald Group Publishing Ltd, Floor 5, Northspring 21-23 Wellington Street, Leeds, W Yorkshire, England (www.emeraldinsight.com)
  • Bo Meng, Shanxi University, Dept. of Tourism Management, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China.