Theorization and Measurement of Memorable Tourism Experiences at Heritage Destinations (2019–2023): A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

By systematically mapping, analyzing and synthesizing a comprehensive body of scholarly works, this
paper aims to trace the trajectory of models and theories that have shaped the discourse on memorable
experience across multitude tourism literature and offers insights for future research prospects. To this
end, high impact journal articles published from January 1st, 2019 to November 10th, 2023 were scanned
from the electronic databases using the combination of keywords: “memorable tourism” OR “tourism
experience” AND “memorable tourism experience”. Following the screening, selection and synthesizing
processes, 15 original full-text articles were included for the final descriptive analysis. The analysis results
revealed that the majority of the scholars were focused still on conceptualizing frameworks and theories
of memorable experiences; largely neglects negative experiences; uneven geographical distribution of
publication (global perspective, followed by China); and most studies employed quantitative approach.
Acquainted to the gaps identified, recommendations should include a more thoughtful application of
memorable experiences models and theories, a focus on context-based study, consideration of both positive
and negative dimensions, mitigation of self-report bias, applying mixed approach, and incorporation of
both demand and supply perspectives. Eventually, this systematic literature review (SLR) aims to prompt
a paradigm shift towards a more context-oriented conceptualization of tourism experiential dimensions,
advocating for a more nuanced understanding beyond the current holistic approach about the subject,
mainly heritage destinations that entails different dimensions