Make it memorable: customer experiences in winter amusement parks
International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research
ISSN: 1750-6182
Article publication date: 29 March 2011
Abstract
Purpose
This empirical study aims to investigate the potential of customer experiences in the tourism industry to influence emotions and thus create positive mental imprints.
Design/methodology/approach
This investigation tests a conceptual model for what leaves positive mental imprints and analyzes the results of the survey to test the hypotheses. Further, the rather uncommon setting, a winter amusement park in Norway, helps to increase the external validity.
Findings
One interesting discovery with practical implications for management is that both ambience factors – light, sound, and smells – and interaction among customers have significance for customers' positive emotions.
Research limitations/implications
There is a need for further research to clarify the distinction between design and ambience factors.
Practical implications
Both ambience and interaction between customers are very important for successfully providing positive customer experiences.
Originality/value
Responding to the need to focus on the different aspects relating to customer experiences and emotions within the framework of tourism, this study tests an original model in an uncommon setting, thus contributing to the external validity of these claims.
Keywords
Citation
Slåtten, T., Krogh, C. and Connolley, S. (2011), "Make it memorable: customer experiences in winter amusement parks", International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 80-91. https://doi.org/10.1108/17506181111111780
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited