Exploring Visitor Experience at a Mountain Attraction: The Nordkette Mountain in Tirol, Austria
Keywords
Alpine tourism, grounded theory, mountain attraction, participant observation, visitor experience
Abstract
The study explores visitor experience while visiting a mountain attraction in the Alpine region of Tirol, Austria, through participant observations, informal conversations, and photography. A grounded theory approach was adopted to uncover the meaning of visitors' overall experience and deduct a possible theory that may contribute to a better understanding of visitor experiences at mountain attractions. The data collected from 600 subjects at the attraction's four stopovers concluded that the visiting experience was a process that involved a blend of events composed of material and human elements. Guest experiences were also practiced on a passive–active continuum, where some of the experiential consumption activities were focused beyond the mountain itself, primarily viewing the landscape and photography. The study affirms the importance of participant observation as a methodological tool to study visitors at a tourist attraction, discusses implications for management, and offers recommendations for enhancing the overall guest experience.
Publication Date
1-1-2018
Number of Pages
172-186
Document Type
Article
Language
English
Source Title
Journal of Vacation Marketing
Volume
24
Issue
2
Copyright Status
Unknown
College
Rosen College of Hospitality Management
STARS Citation
Milman, Ady and Zehrer, Anita, "Exploring Visitor Experience at a Mountain Attraction: The Nordkette Mountain in Tirol, Austria" (2018). Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 722.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/ucfscholar/722
Accessibility Statement
This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.