Pearce, Philip L., and Vogt, Harriet (2005) Warriors, emperors and tourists: environmental setting factors and visitor comfort at two Chinese tourist attractions. China Tourism Research, 1 (2-3). pp. 161-177.

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Abstract

Research on visitor responses and experiences at Chinese tourist attractions is just beginning. Two strands of research are identified, one concerned with the symbolic and experiential responses of tourists and one concerned with visitor reactions to the environmental conditions and facilities. This study pursues the issue of visitor comfort with the environmental conditions at two significant central Western Chinese tourist sites: the Terracotta Warriors site and the HuaQing Springs attraction. Survey data were collected over a period of 5 days from 215 visitors at the Terracotta Warriors site and 167 visitors at the HuaQing Springs location. It was established that the micro-climates of the two sites differ, with temperature and humidity readings showing consistent variation and, further, that visitors' responses in terms of comfort levels were matched to these physical variations. Visitors still appreciated both sites with a minor reduction in expressive outcomes for those who found the sites less comfortable. Suggestions for enhancing the sites in terms of shady trees, covered walkways and the use of water remain valuable and desired visitor services. It is proposed that an "overriding theory" operates when visitors attend significant attractions and that highly motivated visitors will find environmental setting facilitators to be only of minor importance. This approach suggests that site improvements will be likely to produce desirable but only modest changes in visitor appreciation.

Item ID:	6082
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1812-688X
Keywords:	Chinese tourist attractions; environmental conditions; tourism; visitor comfort; visitor responses and experiences
Related URLs:	http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~c...
Date Deposited:	12 Apr 2010 00:40
FoR Codes:	15 COMMERCE, MANAGEMENT, TOURISM AND SERVICES > 1506 Tourism > 150605 Tourism Resource Appraisal @ 100%
SEO Codes:	90 COMMERCIAL SERVICES AND TOURISM > 9003 Tourism > 900302 Socio-Cultural Issues in Tourism @ 100%
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