Tourism experiences in motion. Mobile, visual and psychophysiological methods to capture tourists "on the move". (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scuttari, Anna
• Is Part Of: Tourism management perspectives. Volume 38(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Experience analysis -- Mobile video ethnography -- Psychophysiological methods -- Mobilities -- Journey experience -- Cycle tourism -- Motorcycle tourism; Tourism -- Periodicals; 338.4791
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tmp.2021.100825
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-9736

Abstract

Abstract: Experience measurement and design have become leading management objectives to ensure destination competitiveness in recent years. This paper applies the user-centred perspective of mobile video ethnography with bio-sensing and facial action coding to study journey experiences – i.e. those tourist experiences happening in motion. The use of mobile, visual and psychophysiological methods represents a novel opportunity to deeper explore physical, sensory, social and emotional shades of tourist experiences. Experience measurement and design in the field of tourist transport has the potential to shape more sustainable and experientially rich forms of mobility. Results show and compare unique features of cycling and motorcycling journeys, highlighting the interface between riding and non-riding tasks, as well as the importance of speed variation and time duration in assessing the relationship with land- and soundscapes. Highlights: Mobile visual, sensor and biometric data are suitable to study journey experiences. Time, rhythm and vehicles are important markers of journey experiences. High speed and riding challenges imply a narrow sensory perception. Speed variation (more than slowness) works as a mediator for emotional arousal. Communication patterns while travelling are unique and mostly non-verbal.