The perceived value of local knowledge tourism: dimension identification and scale development

Hailin Zhang; Jinbo Jiang; Jinsheng Jason Zhu

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1170651

The perceived value of local knowledge tourism: dimension identification and scale development

Front Psychol. 2023 Aug 10:14:1170651. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1170651. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Hailin Zhang^{1

2}, Jinbo Jiang¹, Jinsheng Jason Zhu²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Tourism Management, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
² ASEAN Tourism Research Base, Guilin Tourism University, Guilin, China.

Abstract

Introduction: Local knowledge tourism encompasses the rich cultural heritage, historical narratives, and traditional practices of a specific destination. Despite its significance in enhancing the tourist experience, there is a dearth of research examining the subjective perceptions and values of visitors engaging in local knowledge tourism. Consequently, there is a pressing need to explore the composition of perceived tourist values in this unique context.

Methods: Due to the exploratory nature of this research, a constructivist grounded theory and content analysis are applied to analyze the data.

Results: This study identifies and conceptualizes five distinct dimensions of perceived values in local knowledge tourism: functional value, emotional value, social value, cognitive value, and self-actualization value. Furthermore, an 18-item scale is developed to measure these dimensions quantitatively.

Discussion: This research makes several significant contributions: (1) it expands the scope of perceived value research within the tourism domain and enhances our understanding of the tourist experience in local knowledge tourism; (2) it provides a reliable instrument for future quantitative investigations into the behavior and mindset of local knowledge tourists; and (3) it offers theoretical foundations and practical insights for destination managers seeking to develop tourism products tailored to the preferences and expectations of local knowledge tourists.

Keywords: local knowledge tourism; perceived value; scale development; tourist experiences; value dimension.

Grants and funding

This manuscript is a chapter of a doctoral dissertation and supported by the National Natural Science Fund of China (No. 42271238), the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (No. 2021A1515011627), and the Guangxi first-class discipline construction project of tourism management of Guilin Tourism University.