Transformative experiences in tourism: A conceptual and critical analysis integrating consumer and managerial perspectives

Abstract

Transformative tourism experiences are gaining increasing attention due to a shift in research towards longer-lasting experiences that have a greater impact on tourists' happiness. However, the existing body of knowledge on this topic remains disjointed, with different approaches appearing to be disconnected. Therefore, the purpose of this conceptual paper is to further clarify and integrate various theories and lines of research on transformative tourist experiences. It proposes a managerial approach, as an offering, within the framework of the experience economy, and a consumer approach, as an inner-oriented product, within the scope of transformation experiences theories. Although these perspectives may seem quite dissimilar, they are complementary, as inner changes in tourists must occur for any offer to be truly transformative. This paper aims to provide a more coherent and comprehensive conceptualization of transformative experiences by incorporating both managerial and consumer perspectives. It also pretends to support tourism stakeholders and destination planners in designing and developing more impactful and potentially transformative tourism experiences.