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Antecedents of memorable heritage tourism experiences: an application of stimuli–organism–response theory

Erose Sthapit, Brian Garrod, Dafnis N. Coudounaris, Siamak Seyfi, Ibrahim Cifci, Tan Vo-Thanh

International Journal of Tourism Cities

ISSN: 2056-5607

Article publication date: 17 April 2024

Issue publication date: 29 November 2024

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Abstract

Purpose

Based on stimulus-organism-response theory, this study aims to develop and tests a model of memorable heritage tourism experience (MHTE). The model proposes that experiencescape, experience co-creation, education and photography are important antecedents of MHTE, which is then a driver of place attachment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were collected using a Web-based questionnaire of people aged 18 years and over who had a heritage tourism experience during the previous three months (February–April 2023). The survey was distributed in May 2023 using Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk). A survey link was posted on MTurk, which remained active for the first week of May 2023. Out of the 283 responses received, 272 were valid responses from individuals who met the participation criteria.

Findings

Experiencescape, experience co-creation, education and photography were found to be positive drivers of the MHTE, with a positive relationship between MHTE and place attachment.

Originality/value

Many studies linked to memorable tourism experience (MTE) mainly replicate Kim, Ritchie, & McCormick’s (2012) MTE scale, regardless of the specific study context. This study offers an alternative framework through which alternative antecedents and outcomes of tourists’ MTE can be identified.

Keywords

Citation

Sthapit, E., Garrod, B., Coudounaris, D.N., Seyfi, S., Cifci, I. and Vo-Thanh, T. (2024), "Antecedents of memorable heritage tourism experiences: an application of stimuli–organism–response theory", International Journal of Tourism Cities, Vol. 10 No. 4, pp. 1469-1487. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJTC-02-2024-0051

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, International Tourism Studies Association

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