Experiential tourism around the world and at home: definitions and standards

An investigation into the impact of vacation travel on the tourist

“…For instance, Wearing (2001) focuses specifi cally on volunteer tourism experiences and the potential for changes in the self through social interaction with others. Other studies look at the effect of experiential tourism on the tourist to provide new commercial knowledge (Pine and Gilmore, 1998;Smith, 2006). Similarly, Gonzalez and Bello (2002) and Holloway (2006) discuss vacation travel impacts in terms of tourist's needs and wants to construct 'lifestyles' for market segmentation.…”

Key Determinants of Food Preparation Attributes in Staging Memorable Experiences: Perspectives of Hotel Managers in Western Kenya

“…Kamel et al (2008 p. 3), however, contended, "experiences are distinct economic offering, as different from services as services are from goods." A similar thought is shared by (Smith, 2006) who pointed out that experiences are distinct memorable and personal sensations involving multiple dimensions ranging from customer participation to connection or environmental relationship. This concept of experiences being distinct, memorable and personal sensation has been described using four realms in literature as: entertainment, educational, escapist, and aesthetic; whereby the richest experiences encompass aspects of all the four realms (Smith, 2006).…”

“…A similar thought is shared by (Smith, 2006) who pointed out that experiences are distinct memorable and personal sensations involving multiple dimensions ranging from customer participation to connection or environmental relationship. This concept of experiences being distinct, memorable and personal sensation has been described using four realms in literature as: entertainment, educational, escapist, and aesthetic; whereby the richest experiences encompass aspects of all the four realms (Smith, 2006). Other researchers (Henderson, 2009;Cohen & Avieli, 2004;Gross & Brown, 2008;Kivela & Crotts, 2006) however, have argued that consumer feelings and memories shape experiences based on other hospitality products on offer such as food.…”

“…Experience has been a subject of discussion by several scholars in the hospitality industry research (Blichfeldt & Therkelsen, 2010;Cohen & Avieli, 2004;Gross & Brown, 2008;Johns & Kivela, 2001;Kamel et al, 2008;Meler & Cerovic, 2003;Milman, 2009;Pine & Gilmore, 1999;Smith, 2006;Zahari et al, 2009). This exploratory research aimed to identify key food preparation determinants that can be used in staging food-based experience in hotels within Western Kenya.…”

“…The aforementioned argument, while suggesting that experience can be a distinct hospitality or tourism product (Kamel et al, 2008;Smith, 2006), implies that other product offerings such as food or services are important in creating memorable experiences (Henderson, 2009;Cohen & Avieli, 2004;Gross & Brown, 2008;Kivela & Crotts, 2006). Kivela and Crotts (2006) in particular warn against underestimation of other products offering, especially food, in the final food-based experience.…”