This paper contributes to the blended learning paradigm for educational events in a leisure context, where organisers and participants can no longer rely on a linear approach for knowledge transfer and learning (Robinson, 2011; Giacalone, 2001) in a non-linear world (Castells, 2000). With the design of meaningful experiences at the core of Leisure Studies and of Events as their sub-field (Richards, G., Marques, L. & Mein, K., 2016), it is appropriate to investigate experiential learning and the role of blended learning in the participants’ experience, in a leisure context. The qualitative methodology focuses on in-depth, semi-structured interviews held with students enrolled in leisure studies and tourism management programmes who took part in the World Leisure international field school, which takes place biennially as a satellite event to the World Leisure Congress. The findings indicate that constructing a tailored blended learning experience in an educational event within a leisure context has a positive impact on the participants’ learning experience and knowledge transfer, extending it in terms of time and spaces. This research has relevant implications for practitioners, academics and designers targeting blended learning environments in educational events in leisure-related contexts.
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Virtual reality (VR) is transforming leisure as a digital alternative to traditional (physical) experiences. Yet, few studies have directly compared VR leisure experiences to physical leisure experiences. This experimental study addresses this gap by comparing emotional responses elicited during a physical theme-park dark ride and its VR counterpart in a real-life leisure setting. A total of 145 participants experienced the ride in one of three conditions: the physical ride, its VR counterpart with social interaction, or the VR ride in isolation. Emotional responses were measured through real-time skin conductance and post-ride self-reports. Results indicate that the physical ride elicited stronger emotional responses, higher evaluations, and greater intentions to recommend and revisit. Additionally, the VR ride with social interaction was more arousing than the isolated VR ride and more closely resembled the physical experience. These findings highlight the importance of social interactions in enhancing the emotional impact of VR leisure experiences.
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There is ample evidence to suggest that positive emotions lead to valuable life outcomes. This study examines daily positive emotion development before, during, and after a leisure travel experience. The study measured positive emotions on a daily basis in 25 mature adult participants before, during, and after two leisure travel experiences. Consistent with the "peak" model in previous research, positive emotions overall-and joy and interest in particular-increased before leisure travel, were elevated during travel, and declined afterward. Implications for practice include managing positive emotions before and after leisure travel. Future research should consider positive emotions in other populations and other leisure experiences.
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Expressive cultural activities, such as viewing visual art, drama, or dance, are perceived as beneficial to individuals and societies, justifying public funding. However, not everyone benefits and participates equally. We intentionally sampled infrequent and frequent attendees among young adults in the Netherlands. Results indicated that infrequent and frequent attendees differed in expressive cultural activity constraints and socialization, though not on demographic background. Their cultural, social, and emotional experience through self-report and physiological data revealed no significant differences between the groups’ experience of a dramatic performance. These outcomes suggest that, as an example of expressive cultural activity, a dramatic performance experience can be equally emotionally beneficial to frequent and infrequent attendees, an important prerequisite to broader appeal and intergroup contact. Implications of the use of physiological data in leisure experience research are discussed
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Purpose: This paper aims to stimulate the discussion in the fields of hospitality, tourism and leisure on what exactly constitutes “an experience” and how to measure it; the authors unpack the experience construct into its core constituent elements, namely, emotions. Design/methodology/approach: The paper reviews insights from psychology and cognitive neuroscience that define experiences as a fine-grained temporal succession of emotions that occur during an experiential episode. Limitations of current methods for measuring experiences are discussed, after which biometric and neuroscientific methods are reviewed that are optimally geared toward measuring emotions, as they occur during an experience with fine temporal detail. Findings: An overview is presented of the available studies within the fields of hospitality, tourism and leisure that use these methodologies. These studies show that using these methodologies provides a fruitful methodological approach to measuring experiences in real time. Practical implications: Companies are constantly seeking to create memorable experiences for their customers. The proposed research methodologies allow companies to get a more fine-grained image of what impacts customers over the course of their experience and to actively integrate the use of emotions into creating experiences, as emotions are key to making them memorable. Originality/value: The paper sketches the contours of a rapidly emerging framework that unpacks memorable experiences into their constituent element – emotions. It is proposed that this will contribute to a deeper understanding of how consumers experience offerings in the hospitality, tourism and leisure industry.
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This research concerning the experience and future of zoos was carried out from 2011-2012 and takes regional ideas concerning Zoo Emmen as well as global visions into account. The research focuses partly on Zoo Emmen, its present attractions and visitors while also comparing and contrasting visions on the future in relationship to other international zoos in the world. In this way, remarkable experiences and ideas will be identified and in the light of them, it can serve as inspiration for stakeholders of zoos at large. The main research subject is a look at the future zoos in view of: The Zoo Experience – an international experience benchmark; The Zoo of the Future – a Scenario Planning approach towards the future; The virtual zoo - zoo’s in the internet domain.
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Dark rides embody a noteworthy phenomenon in theme park destinations and beyond, serving as a textbook example of structured experiences. They therefore offer valuable insights for knowledge development on structured experiences in the broader realm of tourism and leisure experiences. Despite various conceptualizations of the dark ride experience, the visitor's perspective has been largely overseen. Through qualitative interviews we explored 16 distinct dark rides, unveiling key constituent components of their experience and identifying contributing factors. Results indicate that dark rides are primarily appreciated for their ability to generate here-and-now experiences, characterized by imagery, imagery-based states, and emotions. However, visitors may inadvertently shift their focus to internal thoughts and cognitions based on motivation, opportunity, and ability-related switch factors, risking mental disengagement.
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