A Dynamic Framework of Tourist Experiences: Space‐Time and Performances in the Experience Economy

Abstract

This article outlines a conceptual model that allows a discussion regarding tourist experiences. Through the notion and deconstruction of the concept ''experience design'' it is argued that in order to be able to analyze tourism and develop new innovative strategic approaches to tourism management, dynamic notions of space, time and performance have to be especially attended to. This is done through a discussion of ''experience'' and ''design'' as both nouns and verbs. This makes it possible to work with four definitions of ''experience design'', all situated on a continuum from a static starting point to a dynamic endpoint. It is argued that most research findings are placed in the more static half of this continuum, even if there are tendencies toward more dynamic approaches. These efforts are however usually based on a spatial ontology that is situated in the static half of the continuum. This paper aims to enhance these tendencies by focusing on the more dynamic half of the continuum. Notions of space-time as relational processes that should be understood as a hermeneutic circle and a view on the tourist as an active performer and producer of space are stressed. This conceptual model is crystallized and exemplified through the case of tourist photography, showing that the ontology chosen has a direct result on the concrete conduct of method and area of research interest.

Conceptualising technology enhanced destination experiences

“…Until recently, tourism was dominated by a company-centric view in which tourists were allocated a passive role and neglected in the design and creation of experiences (Ek, Larsen, Hornskov & Mansfeldt, 2008). However, with consumers taking over the process of co-creation (Boswijk et al, 2007), destinations need to realise that conventional experience creation processes have become obsolete.…”

“…This de-differentiation leads to the recognition of an overall experience co-creation space by considering the pre-and post-travel stages as an extension of the on-site destination experience. As more dynamic views of time and space are needed in the tourist experience (Ek et al, 2008), this paper suggests that by using ICTs as a facilitator, DMOs now operate in an extended physical and virtual experience co-creation space.…”

“…This implies that not only tourists are actively, dynamically and creatively involved in the experience but the destination itself needs to find creative ways to allow for such experiences to occur (Richards & Raymond, 2000). To fully embrace this dynamic, tourists therefore need to be recognised in multiple roles as co-producers of the experience (Prahalad & Ramaswamy, 2004a), co-creators of value (Ek et al, 2008;Payne et al, 2008), and co-constructors of the experience space (Mossberg, 2007). For the specific context of destinations, this implies that tourists do not only create their own experiences but become central in the creation of the overall tourist space, i.e.…”

Exploring the conceptualization of the sensory dimension of tourist experiences

“…While the former occur inside the person and refers to a diversity of encounters, employing a unique combination of cognitive and emotional elements, the consumer experience is the total outcome of an individual's encounters with products, services and businesses (Lewis & Chambers, 2000). In this context, staging the experience (Pine & Gilmore, 1998, designing the experience (Ek, Larsen, Hornskov & Mansfeldt, 2008), managing the experience (Morgan, 2010), choreographing the experience (Walls et al, 2011b), engineering the experience (Carbone & Haeckel, 1994), sculpting/crafting the experience (Ooi, 2005) are common expressions informed by the experiential paradigm, which postulates that the inputs generated by products, services and the surrounding environment can be systematically and voluntarily managed in order to create the conditions for a positive consumer experience that lasts in memory. In fact, according to Larsen (2007, p.15) "a tourist experience is a past personal travel-related event strong enough to have entered long-term memory."…”

Development Within the Experience Economy – Key Areas for Successful Growth?

“…In this study, the result shows that the region's focus area (e g tourism) is what is seen as most important for obtaining growth within the experience economy. Ek et al (2008) have stressed out that the experience economy is complex economies like a whole city or even region. This is in line with what this study has shown.…”