Aesthetic Dimensions in Tourism and Hospitality Experiences
Summary
Aesthetic dimensions in tourism and hospitality encompass the sensory, visual and emotional qualities that shape visitor perceptions and satisfaction. They range from the architectural design and ambient environments of hotels and attractions to the curation of landscapes, artworks and heritage artefacts. By engaging multiple senses—sight, sound, texture and scent—these dimensions foster immersive experiences that underpin destination competitiveness, brand differentiation and customer loyalty. Recent approaches recognise the co-creative role of guests in shaping aesthetic meaning, emphasising narrative and authenticity as guiding principles. Technological mediation—from virtual-reality previews to interactive digital displays—further extends aesthetic possibilities, offering personalised pathways and real-time feedback. Practically, embedding art and design into service settings enhances emotional resonance, sustains visitor attention and reinforces a coherent sense of place. Globally, destinations draw on local culture, natural heritage and contemporary art to craft distinctive aesthetic narratives that attract diverse markets, support sustainable development and drive repeat visitation.
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Aesthetic Dimensions in Tourism and Hospitality Experiences publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in aesthetic dimensions in tourism and hospitality experiences across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Aesthetic expectation confirmation: The process by which actual sensory and visual qualities align with or exceed a visitor’s preconceived aesthetic expectations, influencing satisfaction.
Curation: The act of selecting, organising and presenting experiences, artworks or environments to craft coherent narratives and guide visitor engagement.
Visual art attributes: Characteristics of artworks—such as style, scale, colour palette and thematic content—that serve as antecedents to guest perceptions and emotions.
S-O-R theory (Stimulus–Organism–Response): A framework linking environmental stimuli (for example, design elements) to internal emotional or cognitive states and subsequent behavioural responses.
Co-creative experience: An interactive process in which guests actively participate in shaping the aesthetic and narrative dimensions of their visit, contributing to meaning-making.
References
- The curatorial turn in tourism and hospitality. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management (2024).
- The Impact of Aesthetic Expectations and Aesthetic Experiential Qualities on Tourist Satisfaction: A Case Study of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Forests (2024).
- Hospitality Art Experience Model: The Effects of Visual Art on Guests’ Attitudes and Behavior. Tourism and Hospitality (2024).
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