Meaningful and transformational experiences in travel - supporting and enhancing possibilities in the context of a travel agency
Fransman, Krista (2023)
2023
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023053016049
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023053016049
Tiivistelmä
The goal of this thesis study was to understand the concept of meaningful and transformational experiences within travel and tourism, and utilise gained understanding to find ways to develop and enhance travel products in the context of a travel agency. The motivational factor behind the topic was the author’s work position as a product manager in a travel agency, and this placement also affected the perspective of this study.
Literature review was conducted to gain understanding of the existing theory regarding experiences and transformations. Also, an existing travel product including elements of adventure and outdoor education as well as experiential learning was evaluated to reach better understanding of pressure points possibly enhancing transformational experiences. The person in charge of producing the travel product in question and the author’s colleague was interviewed to gain additional information about elements affecting meaningful experiences. These actions to advance the study were conducted 01/2023 – 05/2023.
As a result of the study a model was created. The purpose of the model is to provide guidelines for producing new travel products and enhancing existing ones. The model also functions as a visual reminder of elements for the travel agency to consider in designing meaningful and transformational travel experiences.
It has been realised that the complexity of the concept of transformational experience and diverse factors affecting it make it difficult to assess direct economic benefits in creating such experiences. However, it has also been noted that in many cases elements supporting transformations are likely to enhance the perceived quality of travel experiences in general, and therefore it might be beneficial to aim to include such elements in a travel product by default.
Literature review was conducted to gain understanding of the existing theory regarding experiences and transformations. Also, an existing travel product including elements of adventure and outdoor education as well as experiential learning was evaluated to reach better understanding of pressure points possibly enhancing transformational experiences. The person in charge of producing the travel product in question and the author’s colleague was interviewed to gain additional information about elements affecting meaningful experiences. These actions to advance the study were conducted 01/2023 – 05/2023.
As a result of the study a model was created. The purpose of the model is to provide guidelines for producing new travel products and enhancing existing ones. The model also functions as a visual reminder of elements for the travel agency to consider in designing meaningful and transformational travel experiences.
It has been realised that the complexity of the concept of transformational experience and diverse factors affecting it make it difficult to assess direct economic benefits in creating such experiences. However, it has also been noted that in many cases elements supporting transformations are likely to enhance the perceived quality of travel experiences in general, and therefore it might be beneficial to aim to include such elements in a travel product by default.