Exploring the Emotional Dimension of Visitors' Satisfaction at Cultural Events

Abstract

Cultural events have emerged as a destination instrument for sharing local folk culture with visitors, aspiring to provide them with satisfying experiences at the same time as conveying socioeconomic benefits to the local community. However, studies of the visitor satisfaction process as a measure of the success of staging a cultural event remain noticeably lacking. Adopting an ethnographic approach, this article investigates visitor satisfaction by considering the emotional dynamics involved—a psychological dimension that remains largely overlooked within the tourism context. Fieldwork findings reveal the important role of senses in this process and pinpoint precise emotions that impact on (dis)satisfaction and intentions. Based on the research outcomes, the article then proposes a model conceptualizing this process that is of relevance beyond the specific context of events. The study envisages a tighter link between the fields of tourism and psychology, given the potentially rewarding outcomes this might yield.

Factors of Demand for Cultural Events in Tourism: the Case of the Czech Republic

“…Cultural events currently account for 1/5 of the total tourism market in the world; organizing these events brings various social, economic and environmental benefits for countries and their citizens (Boucher et al, 2018). Cultural events include various activities related to visiting festivals, local celebrations, architecture, rituals and other interesting events at the destination places (Hernandez-Mogollon et al, 2018;Christou et al, 2018); they may consist of rituals, performances, ceremonies, festivals and celebrations to present socio-cultural habits (Oklobdzija, 2015). The atmosphere and uniqueness of cultural events arise from the places where events are organized.…”

“…These factors can be used as appropriate marketing tools to differentiate the destination from other places and build its image (Hernandez-Mogollon et al, 2018). As tourism destinations and culture are strongly interrelated, tourism policymakers and other stakeholders in tourism development can use the destination to attract visitors and make them visit their destination (Christou et al, 2018;Hernandez-Mogollon et al 2018).…”

“…Cultural events turn visitors into more cultural and educated people and improve them from a psychological point of view (Hernandez-Mogollon et al, 2018). Cultural events are considered tourist attractions (Christou et al, 2018). The number of different cultural events and festivals has increased significantly in recent years (Baez-Montenegro & Devesa-Fernandez, 2017).…”

“…The number of different cultural events and festivals has increased significantly in recent years (Baez-Montenegro & Devesa-Fernandez, 2017). Cultural events and various festivals have thus become an important factor in the development of tourism Baez-Montenegro & Devesa-Fernandez, 2017;Christou et al, 2018).…”

“…Such tourism products can also include organized events that can be used by destinations to attract visitors, develop tourism, revitalize various activities and places (Hernandez-Mogollon et al, 2018). In the world, unlike the Czech Republic, more attention is paid to organized events, as event tourism is a rapidly developing part of tourism that allows countries to profit from growth in income and employment in tourism, to build their competitive advantages (Boucher et al, 2018;Christou et al, 2018;Baez-Montenegro & Devesa-Fernandez, 2017), create destination image and attract foreign investment and visitor attention (Baez-Montenegro & Devesa-Fernandez, 2017;Duran & Hamarat, 2014). In addition to image creation, event tourism reduces crime and poverty and makes people prouder of their country (Boucher et al, 2018).…”