Loading...
40 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 10 of 40
- Designing accessible tourism experiences: slow, sensory and smart frameworkPublication . AGAPITO, DORA; Guerreiro, ManuelaSlow tourism is an emergent research area focused on slowing the pace of life during vacations. A comprehensive multi-sensory approach can contribute to designing enhanced slow tourism experiences deemed accessible, both in situ and remotely. There is a research gap in considering multi-sensory stimuli in the design of accessible tourism experiences using technology. As such, this research intends to propose a theoretical framework focused on the development of slow tourism through sensory cues and smart technologies. In so doing, a critical approach to literature was carried out by intersecting three areas of literature following the rationale of the Stimuli-Organism-Response model: slow tourism, multi-sensory tourism experiences design, and smart destinations. The significance of this framework is threefold: it strengthens local identities and aids sustainable tourism by involving the community; it promotes experiences deemed authentic considering multiple stakeholders’ perspectives; and it addresses the visitor experience before, during and after the visit to the destination in an accessible manner using smart technologies. A framework with six steps is offered based on participatory methods.
- O perfil do designer e o papel do design nas empresas em PortugalPublication . Agapito, Dora; Almeida, H.; Almeida, Marisa; Fernandes, Sílvia; Lacerda, António
- Experience management in hospitality and tourism: reflections and implications for future researchPublication . AGAPITO, DORA; Sigala, MariannaPurpose - This paper aims to provide a critical reflection on the management of experiences in hospitality and tourism (H&T). The paper investigates the evolution of experience research, while discussing the emerging challenges and opportunities for management. Design/methodology/approach - The study adopts a critical and reflective approach for providing future directions of experience research. Three major fields are identified to discuss advances, challenges and opportunities in experience research: conceptualization and dimensions of experiences; relational network for experience management; and theoretical and methodological approaches. Findings - The paper proposes a mindset shift to guide experience research, but also to redirect and research thinking and managerial practices about the role of experiences in the economy and society. This proposed humanized perspective to experience research and management is deemed important given the contemporary socio-economic, environmental and technological challenges of the environment. Research limitations/implications - This paper identifies a set of theoretical and managerial implications to help scholars and professionals alike to implement the humanized perspective to experience research. Implications relate to conceptualization, relational network and theoretical and methodological approaches in experience research. Originality/value - This study critically assesses research challenges and opportunities around customer experience management (CEM) in H&T contexts. This reflective and critical look at customer experiences not only informs future research for advancing knowledge and practice but also proposes a mindset shift about the role and nature of CEM in the society and economy.
- Visitor encounters with the Great Barrier Reef: aesthetics, heritage, and the sensesPublication . Agapito, DoraA multi-sensory approach to experiences in tourism has received increasing attention in the last decade, especially in research recognising the multidisciplinary nature of visitor experiences within management systems. The visual dimension of aesthetics has been dominant in exploring visitor encounters with places and destinations in general, and with cultural heritage sites in particular. The focus on ocular appreciation prevents understanding the complexity of tourist experiences in heritage contexts that carry both visual and non-visual (aural, haptic, gustatory, olfactory) significance.
- The sensory experience of visitors with hearing impairment in Hong Kong Wetland Park based on spatial sensory mapping and self-reported textual analysisPublication . Chan, Chung-Shing; Shek, Kwo Fung; AGAPITO, DORAThis study investigates the multi-sensory experience of visitors with hearing impairment (HI) in Hong Kong Wetland Park through spatial mapping of their self-reported positive and negative sensory stimuli, and expres-sion of the overall experience. A series of field visits for a total of 104 sampled voluntary HI participants were set up, applying a modified Sensory Experience Elicitation Protocol (SEEP) instrument in the form of self-administered questionnaire, to extract sensory information. The results show the geographical distribution of sensory stimuli and their spatial pattern of magnitude across different zones and features in the Wetland Park. Tactile experience of the HI participants is relatively rich compared to other non-visual senses. A combination of different stimuli can be found in the park, although visual, auditory and tactile elements seem to be more prominent.
- Designing tourist experiences in the countrysidePublication . Agapito, Dora; Pinto, Patrícia; Mendes, JúlioThe rise of the experiential paradigm in conceptualizing tourism has directed special attention to the five senses - sight, smell, taste, hearing and touch - in designing tourist experiences. Additionally, a multidisciplinary literature approach shows the importance of all the senses in human perception, suggesting multiple sensory experiences in geographical encounters, such as in tourism destinations. In the countryside, tourist experiences are highly based on a diversified collection of undeveloped resources, offering multiple sensory stimuli that can be managed in order to design and enhance tourist experiences and bolster natural resources, in a view to a sustainable local development. This study aims to understand the role of human senses in designing tourist experiences in the countryside. A survey was presented to tourists in rural lodgings. Sensory experiences emerged from a content analysis followed by a multiple correspondence analysis, suggesting that sensory information is suitable for theming tourist experiences in rural areas. Practical implications are discussed.
- A review on destination social responsibility: towards a research agendaPublication . Agapito, Dora; Kronenburg, Rosalie; Pinto, PatríciaDestination social responsibility (DSR) is a contemporary construct related to social responsibility efforts at the level of destinations rather than corporations. While DSR has become a salient topic for destinations, research approaches are still fragmented. This work discusses existing conceptualisations, followed by a systematic review. Studies have supported positive outcomes of DSR, which can be favourable towards destinations at large. Although stakeholder theory is deemed foundational in conceptualizing DSR, findings reveal the construct has been studied from the perspective of tourists or residents, whereas other stakeholders are still absent from studies. The topic is biased towards quantitative methods and settings, and a comprehensive measurement instrument and definition of DSR are called for. This review aims to outline the contribution and progress of DSR in the context of responsible tourism, propose a unifying definition of DSR, and offer avenues for future research.
- Tourism experiences and experiential image: Algarve, a safe and joyful destination in EuropePublication . Manuela Guerreiro, Maria; Pinto, Patrícia; de Matos, Nelson; Pereira, Luís; Sequeira, Bernardete; Ramos, Celia; Wikesjö, Magda; Agapito, Dora; Martins, Rafaela; Bender, Ana; Lampreia, FatimaTurExperience is a project within the scope of the Regional Intelligent Specialization Strategy of the Algarve (RIES3 Algarve),and the Intelligent Algarve Region – RIA,contributing to the promotion of research and development (R&D) of the tourism industry in the Algarve. Funded by Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional(FEDER) and the Programa Operacional CRESC Algarve 2020, Portugal2020, and Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER), the project involves several stakeholders, namely the ResearchCenter for Tourism, Sustainability, and Well-being (CinTurs) and the Economics Faculty the University of Algarve, Aeroporto Gago Coutinho at Faro, Algarve Tourism Board, hotel units, among other entities. The project addresses the followingresearch question: How is the Algarve tourism destination experienced and perceived by tourists? Overall, it aims to identify and measure the touristic experiences and their impacts on the experiential image of the Algarve as a tourism destination. The project results are expected to contribute to the future Observatory for Sustainable Tourism in the Algarve (a partnership between regionalentities [RTA and CCDR] and theUniversity of Algarve). A mix-methodapproach was performed using triangulation involving three studies. First,a survey-based questionnaire encompassing the high and low seasons of the Algarve tourism experience.
- Meaningful experiences in tourism: A systematic review of psychological constructsPublication . Câmara, Ester; Pocinho, Margarida; AGAPITO, DORA; Jesus, SaúlThis study explored the components of meaningful tourist experiences together with their antecedents and outcomes according to a framework of positive psychology and tourism. The theoretical rationale of this systematic literature review was chosen to clarify the synergies between these constructs, wellbeing and mindfulness to understand how tourists derive meaning from their experiences. The scientific platforms Scopus and Web of Science were selected to conduct the search for journal articles. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final sample was comprised of 70 articles. The results evidence the holistic character of meaningful experiences in tourism in terms of personal, emotional, wellbeing, relational and behavioural dimensions that enable a better conceptualisation of the construct. These experiences were significantly assessed on life satisfaction, meaning and purpose, emotions, authenticity and mindfulness. This review highlights the potential of positive psychology to maximise tourists' wellbeing through their experiences. It represents an opportunity for the tourism and hospitality industry as well as other entities to enhance tourists' experiences, such as researchers, psychologists, resident communities and universities. Therefore, this study contributes to future research to better assess meaningful tourist experiences and to tourism companies so they can manage enhanced experiences considering the multidimensional nature of the construct from a positive psychology perspective.
- The use of design as a strategic tool for innovation: an analysis for different firms' networking behavioursPublication . Cesário, Marisa; Agapito, Dora; Almeida, H.; Fernandes, SilviaCurrent research indicates that the use of design strategy in companies is related to innovation and leads to competitiveness. This research aims empirically to analyse the relationship between firms' networking behaviours and their propensity to engage in design activities. Although much of the literature on networks focuses on the relationship between the development of external linkages and innovation, we argue that small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs)' relationships with different agents and intermediaries, on diverse geographic scales, play an important role for how companies use design as an element of innovation. Using the Community Innovation Survey (CIS 2012) database for Portugal, a logistic regression was performed using the strategic use of design' as a binary dependent variable. We found that firms' engagement in informal relationships with heterogeneous agents, such as public customers, consultants or conference partners, is positively associated with the strategic use of design. The use of firms' internal assets as information sources also proved to be significant. Regarding market relations, the results indicate that a geographic scaling-up contributes to increasing the odds of a firm recognizing the strategic role of design for competitiveness.