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- Hedonic experiences at heritage attractions: the visitor’s perspectivePublication . Bender, Ana Carolina; Guerreiro, Manuela; Sequeira, Bernardete; Mendes, JúlioPurpose The purpose of this study is to explore the hedonic experience and its formation at heritage attractions. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative and exploratory approach was applied, using data from 21 semi-structured interviews and three in-situ focus groups. Findings Findings highlight that senses, imagery and emotions are stimulated by the physical landscape and by triggers of memorable experiences. Research limitations/implications To further explore this topic, a broader range of heritage attractions and perspectives from the diverse stakeholders involved in the management and consumption of these sites is needed. Originality/value Given the scarcity of research dedicated to the hedonic experience at heritage sites, this study provides a contribution by exploring the visitor's perspective and points out relevant insights. As the hedonic feelings of pleasure, comfort and related affective responses impact the quality of memorable experiences, relevant implications for theory and practice are discussed.
- Sensory experiences in heritage contexts: a qualitative approachPublication . Bender, Ana Carolina; Martins Guerreiro, Maria Manuela; MIGUEL AGAPITO, DORA LÚCIA; Sequeira, Bernardete; da Costa Mendes, JúlioThis study explores the sensory experience at heritage sites from the visitors' perspective. A qualitative and exploratory approach was used, considering two data collection methods: semi-structured interviews and in situ focus groups. This empirical study was conducted in the Algarve region, a southern Portugal's sea and sun destination. The data was compiled and analyzed through a thematic content with QSR NVivo 12. The findings suggest that managers should explore and understand tangible, intangible (or immaterial) elements that influence visitors' experiences, attitudes, and behaviours toward the physical environment. In this sense, managers must converge efforts to highlight the sensory cues intrinsic to each site. Furthermore, considering the scarce research addressing sensory experiences in heritage contexts, this study contributes to the literature by exploring the role of the sensory dimension of experiencing a monument that is one of the main attractions in a seasonal mass tourism destination. A framework is presented, which can help managers to design sensory experiences in a built heritage context and assist researchers in future studies. In addition to that, this research also provides some practical implications for management and depicts several leads to future research.