Decoding Experiential and Psychological outcomes in Urban Tourism Marketing: a MIMIC approach
(A2026-133538)

AUTHORS

DIMITRA MARGIETA LYKOUDI, UNIVERSITY OF PIRAEUS; Georgia Zouni, University of Piraeus; EVANGELIA RAPTI, University of Piraeus; Ioannis Katsanakis, Univeristy of Piraeus; MARKOS TSOGAS, University of Piraeus

ABSTRACT

This study is using MIMIC analysis to investigate how tourists’ demographics and perceived satisfaction from hosts’ intercultural competence impact the development of five stand-alone experiential and psychological outcomes in urban destinations, namely self-transformation, self-confirmation, well-being, emotional solidarity with locals and destination anthropomorphization. Findings show that the urban tourists’ psychological experiences are predominately influenced by interpersonal, culturally adaptive service interactions, while demographics also play a key differentiated role. Ultimately, the findings confirm the shift in urban tourism from attribute visitation to more emotional-driven, relational and transformative experiences, reflecting recent development in the experiential tourism literature.