The being places: tourists and on site experience

Abstract

On site tourist experiences are varied in both nature and intensity. Many merge to become part of an overall experiential perception. A few stand out as being extraordinary or special. These are the experiences likely to dominate tourist recall.

This paper explores aspects of extraordinary tourist experiences in and of tourist places. Described here as 'being experiences', these experiences encompass aspects of extraordinary experiences such as Peak, Absorbing and Flow experiences but move beyond the unitary nature of these conceptualisations. Being places and the experiences which occur in those places are viewed as a cumulative experience of place, comprising both ordinary and extraordinary moments, over time.

Closely related to the nature of the experience are the ways and the depth in which the tourist comes to know that environment. Experience has been conceptualised as a way of coming to know. The tourist is said to come to know the environment through sensory, cognitive and affective processes. These processes are further shaped by both social and psychological influences. Accordingly broad socially and/or culturally generated expectations and the influence of psychological factors such as state of mind, perceived arousal and control are amongst numerous factors which shape individual experiences.

Experiences in place contribute to the development of a 'sense of place'. Here the notion of sense of place development and 'being places' are linked. It is suggested that the strength of the derived sense of place will influence the significance of the experience.

A brief analysis of secondary data is used to illustrate some of the ideas discussed. However, further research is necessary to clarify those ideas. The use of a phenomenological approach to explore the nature of onsite experience is discussed.

A brief comment on the role of such research concludes this paper. Theoretical development and tourism management and planning will benefit from a better understanding of the onsite experience.