Author Identifier (ORCID)
Abstract
Tourism can offer restorative and transformative experiences that enhance people's well-being. However, the process of translating travel-related restoration into transformation is unclear. This study employed a grounded theory approach to explore the socio-psychological mechanisms of tourists experiencing a transition from restoration to transformation. We analyzed 35 in-depth interviews with domestic tourists visiting Tibet, a destination with rich natural and cultural endowments. Both nature-based and culture-based restorative qualities were identified; authenticity and awe represent novel additions to the literature. Tourists' motivations and reflection played critical roles in the restoration–transformation transition: while motivations primarily determined restorative perceptions, reflection served as a gateway to transformation.
Keywords
Authenticity, Awe, Motivation, Reflection, Restorative destination qualities, Transformative experience
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
11-1-2025
Article Number
104032
Volume
115
Publication Title
Annals of Tourism Research
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Business and Law
RAS ID
84245
Funding Information
National Social Science Foundation of China (22BJY158) / Post-Funding Program of the National Social Science Foundation of China (24FGLB024-BG) / Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program (2019QZKK0404) / Sichuan Provincial Social Science Foundation (SCJI24ND246) / Sichuan Provincial Natural Science Foundation (2024NSFSC1040) / Sichuan Provincial Natural Science Foundation (2024NSFSC1040) / Central Universities Basic Research Operating Expenses of Sichuan University (20827044E0040, 20827041H4018)
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Content Type
Full object
Recommended Citation
Bai, M., Huang, S., Li, Z., Si, Z., & Cui, R. (2025). From restoration to transformation in tourism experience: Unearthing the critical roles of motivation and reflection. Annals of Tourism Research, 115, Article 104032. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2025.104032
Comments
This is an Authors Accepted Manuscript version of an article published by Elsevier in Annals of Tourism Research. The published version is available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2025.104032
Bai, M., Huang, S., Li, Z., Si, Z., & Cui, R. (2025). From restoration to transformation in tourism experience: Unearthing the critical roles of motivation and reflection. Annals of Tourism Research, 115, 104032. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2025.104032