Fun or Fear? On-Site Versus On-Screen Experiences in Paranormal Tourism: A Case Study of Hashima Island, Japan

Thongtammachat, Riena, Chen, Tingzhen, and Osmond, Amy (2023) Fun or Fear? On-Site Versus On-Screen Experiences in Paranormal Tourism: A Case Study of Hashima Island, Japan. Tourism Review International, 27 (3-4). pp. 217-234.

[img] PDF (Published Version) - Published Version
Restricted to Repository staff only

View at Publisher Website: https://doi.org/10.3727/154427223X168194...
 
2


Abstract

Paranormal tourism has seen increased demand, particularly from those tourists who seek unusual or unique experiences. Various paranormal phenomena offer multidimensional experiences for tourists in different physical contexts. Similarly, the advancement of technology has extended the ability to offer more authentic on-screen paranormal experiences. This study aims to explore and compare tourists’ on-site and on-screen experiences at Hashima Island, Japan, with an interest in identifying paranormal-related emotions. Tourist reviews and comments from Tripadvisor and YouTube were collected, with data analysis conducted using grounded theory and Leximancer. Key findings indicate that besides core paranormal encounters, some inviolate features also contribute to paranormal experiences, with tour guide services impacting the on-site experience and video filming techniques influencing the on-screen experience. Furthermore, this work revealed several emotional dimensions, with “fear” and “surprise” positively related to paranormal experiences. By comparing on-site and on-screen experiences, this study offers marketing and planning suggestions for destinations seeking to develop and promote paranormal tourism encounters.

Item ID: 82144
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1943-4421
Keywords: Emotions, Hashima Island, On-screen experiences, On-site experiences, Paranormal tourism
Copyright Information: Copyright © 2023 Cognizant, LLC.
Date Deposited: 19 Feb 2024 23:43
FoR Codes: 35 COMMERCE, MANAGEMENT, TOURISM AND SERVICES > 3508 Tourism > 350806 Tourist behaviour and visitor experience @ 80%
35 COMMERCE, MANAGEMENT, TOURISM AND SERVICES > 3508 Tourism > 350803 Tourism management @ 20%
SEO Codes: 11 COMMERCIAL SERVICES AND TOURISM > 1104 Tourism services > 110402 Socio-cultural issues in tourism @ 80%
11 COMMERCIAL SERVICES AND TOURISM > 1104 Tourism services > 110401 Economic issues in tourism @ 20%
Downloads: Total: 2
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page