Bottom-up factors of attention during the tourist experience: an empirical study. Issue 24 (16th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Campos, Ana Cláudia; Pinto, Patrícia; Scott, Noel
• Is Part Of: Current issues in tourism. Volume 23:Issue 24(2020)
• Page Start: 3111
• Page End: 3133
• Publication Date: 2020-12-16
• Subjects: Attention -- bottom-up attention -- top-down attention -- on-site tourist experience -- memorable experience; Tourism -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Travel -- Periodicals; 338.479105
• DOI: 10.1080/13683500.2019.1681383
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-3500

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Tourism, by definition, involves travel outside one's usual environment. This means that a tourist's attention cannot rely only on previously experienced known symbols and markers and instead derives meaning from paying attention to their surroundings. In this context, management of a visitor's attention processes is a key issue in the design of memorable tourist experiences and business success. Psychological research highlights two types of attention processes: bottom-up and top-down. This research is the first to identify factors influencing bottom-up attention during on-site experience and to examine the moderating impact of top-down factors of attention. The empirical research used questionnaires obtained from tourists participating in two animal-based experiences at a theme park. The results show that of the bottom-up factors analyzed, only two influenced attention, Rarity and Environment stimulation . Concerning the moderating influence of top-down factors, the research found that Interpersonal interaction and Task performance/Goal achievement affect the way external factors impact on attention, and that the intensity of this relation varies according to the relevance of this moderation.