Using destination reviews to explore tourists’ sensory experiences at Christmas markets in Germany and Austria

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4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Christmas markets in Germany and Austria exhibit historic, mercantile, social and experiential dimensions, entrenching them both as a form of heritage and as visitable sites of society and culture, yet research into tourist perception of sensory and multisensory experiential components of these markets has been highly limited thus far. This paper examines the extent of sensory components experienced in Dresden Strietzelmarkt, Nuremberg Christkindlmarkt (Germany) and Vienna Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt (Austria), as reported in TripAdvisor reviews. Visitor experience ratings across all three Christmas markets were strongly positive, with internal visitors being more discerning in terms of actual experience. All five sensory components of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch were identified, with sight and taste being most commonly noted. The majority of reviews referred to two or three sensory experiences, and a positive correlation emerged between more complex sensory experience and higher visitor rating. Numerous comments connected experienced sensory characteristics with a sense of a Christmas atmosphere or mood, and perceptions on authenticity were entwined with past perception and expectation. In recognising such multisensory components having ascribed values, we argue they deserve to be correctly identified, documented and managed as forms of intangible heritage.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)172-200
Number of pages29
JournalJournal of Heritage Tourism
Volume19
Issue number2
Early online dateNov 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

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