Cultural influences on memorable tourism experiences. Issue 3 (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zare, Samira
• Is Part Of: Anatolia. Volume 30:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 316
• Page End: 327
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Cultural influences -- tourist experiences -- tourism experiences -- travel memory -- Iran; Tourism -- Periodicals; Hospitality industry -- Periodicals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 338.4791
• DOI: 10.1080/13032917.2019.1575886
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1303-2917

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of culture on the memorability of tourism experiences. Such understanding sheds light on memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) research. The study employed Iranian culture as its context. Participants were asked to write a narrative text of their memorable experiences detailing why that experience was special for them. A grounded theory approach was adopted to extract themes from data. Results indicated that there were four unique themes related to the Iranian culture that made tourism experiences memorable: togetherness, independence and control, spontaneity and flexibility as well as distinctiveness. The paper initiates discussion for culture as a neglected influence on the memorability of travel experiences.