The tourist experience life cycle: a perspective article

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the past literature of the tourist experience and propose a new model of behavior. Design/methodology/approach It is proposed that understanding of the visitors experience from a development standpoint may be useful in understanding how tourism destinations or indeed products may be experienced so differently. Therefore, a tourist experience life cycle has been put forth as a model. Findings This model may help to outline how tourists, like destinations, also go through a life cycle. The implications may help destinations better understand the different motivations of their visitors. Originality/value While the literature has discussed the tourism experience and how the customer experience has changed, there has been little focus on the longitudinal development of how the actual tourist experiences a destination.