Tourist Experiences and Behaviours within the Scope of Cultural Heritage Tourism
Chapter from the book:
Ongun,
U.
(ed.)
2025.
Current Research in Tourism I.
Synopsis
This book chapter provides a conceptual and theoretical framework for cultural heritage tourism, focusing on tourist experiences and behaviors. The study explains the relationships between culture, cultural heritage, identity, and experience; emphasizing that cultural heritage sites are not merely physical remnants of the past, but dynamic spaces where meaning is produced and identity is constructed. In line with the experience economy approach, the multi-sensory, emotional, and symbolic dimensions of cultural heritage tourism are highlighted. Tourist motivations are evaluated within the framework of elements such as the search for authenticity, the desire to learn, entertainment, and spiritual satisfaction, and intergenerational differences are discussed. Furthermore, the key factors influencing cultural heritage tourism behaviors are examined in the context of national culture and value orientations, knowledge levels and cultural awareness, and the transformative impact of social media and digital technologies. In addition, ethical issues such as overtourism, vandalism, and cultural commercialization are highlighted; and the importance of visitor education and local participation for sustainable and responsible heritage management is emphasized. By addressing cultural heritage tourism from an interdisciplinary perspective, the chapter offers a comprehensive reference for researchers and practitioners.
