Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Tourism, Faculty of Geographical Sciences and Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2 M.A. Student in Geography and Destination Planning, Faculty of Geographical Sciences and Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
This research aims to identify the dimensions of MTEs within the context of ecolodges in Isfahan County. The study employs a descriptive-analytical survey method using an exploratory mixed-methods approach. In the qualitative phase, the dimensions of tourists' memorable experiences in ecolodges were identified through thematic analysis. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 17 tourists who had stayed in ecolodges, employing purposive , and were analyzed using MAXQDA software. In total, 31 codes, 7 categories, and 3 themes were identified. Then, a questionnaire based on the extracted codes was designed to validate the structure and distributed among 310 tourists. The data were analyzed using SPSS software and exploratory factor analysis. The results revealed that MTEs in ecolodges possess a seven-dimensional structure comprising: “authenticity of local and traditional Life,” “local sensory pleasures,” “sense of novelty and escape from daily routine,” “social interaction and learning,” “sustainability experience,” “nostalgic sense,” and “memory perpetuation.”
Keywords
Main Subjects
)