Analysing visitors’ emotions, testing the DRAMMA model, and using reflective practice for guided walk development

Abstract

This thesis examines the relationship between visitor engagement, aura, nostalgia, and emotion in guided walks, demonstrating how these concepts influence the tourism experience. The study advances understanding by offering a pragmatic insight into visitor emotions during co-creation. To achieve the aims, a study of Facebook posts was performed to understand the ties between current and former residents of Torbay. The research's significance stems from its comprehensive examination of visitors' emotional and subjective well-being (DRAMMA) during guided walks. The work assessed contributed to the DRAMMA Model, encompassing detachment, recovery, autonomy, mastery, meaning, and affiliation. The methodological approach follows an interpretative route, in which participants engage in discussions about their emotions before and during a guided walk to identify any changes that occur during the co-creation process. The study employed an autoethnographic approach to generate rich data for theory construction. The research was conducted in Paignton, UK, utilising semi-structured and elite interviews with tour guides. Additionally, interviews were conducted with tour guides in the United Kingdom using email as the communication medium. The researcher also applied the framework technique to examine individuals' Facebook posts to identify indicators of aura, nostalgia, and emotion. Interpretative phenomenological and content analyses were utilised to investigate the participants' emotions. A new framework for tourism knowledge, grounded in the DRAMMA model, is proposed. The study's theoretical contributions highlighted substantial implications, for which recommendations are provided. These include recommendations for Destination Management Organisations (DMOS) to collaborate with tour guides in addressing Torbay's cultural legacy. Two additional key points involve providing training for tour guides and utilising social media marketing strategies to evoke nostalgia, emotions, atmosphere, and narrative in the development of future guided walk tourist experiences.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Plymouth
Supervisor	Derek Shepherd (Director of Studies (First Supervisor)) & Jasna Potocnik Topler (Other Supervisor)