Understanding differences in imagined and actual experiences in tourism

Article

Stylidis, D. and Cherifi, B. 2025. Understanding differences in imagined and actual experiences in tourism. Tourism Planning and Development. https://doi.org/10.1080/21568316.2025.2595241
TypeArticle
TitleUnderstanding differences in imagined and actual experiences in tourism
AuthorsStylidis, D. and Cherifi, B.
Abstract

This research note tests a framework capturing the tourist imagined-experienced gap, understood as the difference between tourists’ imagined experiences versus their actual experiences. Data were drawn on two independent studies (n1=20, n2=17) comprising a series of open-ended questions. Nine experiential realms (five senses, feel, think, act, and relate) were identified in this qualitative research, as well as gaps for each realm. The validated framework offers new insights on image modification as a result of visitation, by delineating potential gaps rooted in various experiential realms. Results could help refine destination and visitor attraction marketing strategies as well as assist in tourism product development.

KeywordsTourism marketing; experiential marketing; destination image; senses
Sustainable Development Goals11 Sustainable cities and communities
Middlesex University ThemeCreativity, Culture & Enterprise
PublisherTaylor & Francis (Routledge)
JournalTourism Planning and Development
ISSN2156-8316
Electronic2156-8324
Publication dates
Print11 Dec 2025
Publication process dates
Submitted16 Dec 2024
Accepted20 Nov 2025
Deposited24 Nov 2025
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
License
File Access Level
Open
Copyright Statement

This is an Accepted Manuscript version of the following article, accepted for publication in Tourism Planning and Development. Stylidis, D., & Cherifi, B. (2025). Understanding Differences in Imagined and Actual Experiences in Tourism. Tourism Planning & Development, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/21568316.2025.2595241 .
It is deposited under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/21568316.2025.2595241
LanguageEnglish
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