How emotions catalyse learning through study tours: Evidence from Panda Ambassador

Abstract

Emotions are critical antecedents to learning in the academic education context. However, how emotions flow, and how emotions affect learning in study tours remains unclear. This case study focused on a UNESCO study tour program, the Panda ambassador 2023, to address the gap. A mixed-method approach was applied, collecting data through daily questionnaires, written diaries, and interviews. A wide spectrum of emotions was identified throughout the study tour. Both emotional valence and intensity affect learning outcomes. Motivations, embodiment, peer interactions, tutorial instructions, itineraries, and contextual stimuli affect how emotions stimulate learning outcomes. Theoretically, our work presents a framework explicating how emotions affect tourist learning. Practically, implications are made for destination managers and study tour practitioners on experience and product design.