Experience science: challenges and research directions

This chapter briefly discusses the importance of experience science and its applications in general. It summarizes the preceding chapters to delineate further some timely issues of experience science research in the THL industries. Consumers, as travelers, tourists, or recreationists, are no longer solely focused on purchasing goods or services but are instead seeking unique and memorable experiences. This change places the consumer at the heart of the experience-creation process. Tourism, hospitality, and leisure destination organizations are now focusing on creating experiences that elicit positive emotions, such as happiness, excitement, and a sense of well-being. Experiences are created to appeal not only to the basic needs of participants but also to the higher-order growth needs of participants, thus contributing to the well-being of individuals. The concepts of immersion, co-creation, sustainability, personalized customization, innovation, technology platforms, and devices are key ingredients of the experience formation process. The challenge is to create tourism experiences that are environmentally and socially responsible while still meeting consumer expectations and generating economic benefits. Understanding how experiences influence behavior can create more positive and impactful experiences that enhance personal and societal well-being.