This chapter focuses on a number of economic and sociocultural developments that play a direct or indirect role in the strategic use of events. It discusses what is termed the experience economy and the future happiness economy. In conclusion, it explains how these developments present...

In this chapter the motivations of garden visiting are explored at a deeper level, into the realm of psychology and psychological drivers to gardens. This research area is called "semiotics". It is suggested that examination of the five senses would be a major indicator of semiotics as much of what ...

The concept of tourist experience is discussed, highlighting its dimensions such as sensorial/emotional enjoyment, escape from daily routine, internal development and personal enrichment. Also discussed is the concept of experiential tourism, which can become confused with the tourist experience...

The aim of this chapter is to enhance our understanding of the tourist experience concept by unravelling the tourist experience value concept, and based on that, present an updated research agenda. The future research directions proposed are based on a quality-of-life approach, here scaled down to...

This chapter presents a case study using narrative interviews to uncover processes that underlie positive emotions on day trips in the Netherlands. The study found three aspects that created positive emotions on day trips: (i) being together, (ii) absorption and wonderment, and (iii) relaxation and ...

This chapter presents the findings of interviews and field research conducted in Budapest, Hungary, which investigated the impact of local sightseeing tours on the quality of life of the guests, the hosts and the guides. The findings reflect a plethora of positive impacts on tour participants',...

This chapter focuses on South African casino employees and their quality of work life (QWL). A framework has been developed depicting the variables required for casino employees to experience a good QWL, resulting in overall happiness, also known as subjective well-being. Certain personality types, ...

The interest and fascination with high mountain regions is explored in this chapter on mountain tourism in Australia. The chapter deepens our understanding of wilderness and what it is that draws tourists to alpine areas, looking at visitor motivation, perceptions and satisfaction in the Snowy...

This book chapter focuses on the outcomes and benefits linked to human health and exposure to natural environments. Within this chapter, a broad range of activities, fields of study and settings are covered. Of major concern in this chapter is the research conducted in the area of human health and...

The experience economy no longer centres on products and services but on authentic emotions and experiences. Pine and Gilmore (2000) distinguish four economic stages, which are the agrarian economy, the industrial economy, the service economy and the experience economy. In the experience economy,...