The embodied experience and self-identity construction of Chinese gay tourists in Thailand

Abstract

This study proposes an extension of the interactive ritual chain model that explores the intrinsic construction of the embodied experience and self-identity of Chinese gay tourists visiting Thailand. The expanded elements include stock, tension, loose, and transformation, which can reflect the intrinsic association of the inner interaction framework. An exploratory sequential mixed methodology approach was adopted. It includes the interviews of 16 respondents followed by a questionnaire survey involving 330 respondents. While most previous research subjects and contexts are from Western countries, this study adds a new knowledge framework and empirical basis for the tourism interactions and identity-based tourism of gay tourists in non-Western countries. This study has practical implications for policymakers in gay tourism destinations in Asia, particularly as this study provides a better understanding of the tourism psychology and behavior of Asian gay tourists, which may be useful in guiding tourism recovery policies in gay-friendly destinations in Asia.