ABSTRACT
This chapter critically reviews key concepts, themes and contemporary debates around the design of tourist experiences by using a marketing perspective. Specifically, the aim of this chapter is to present and discuss a framework for designing responsible tourist experiences through the theoretical lens of experiential and sensory marketing, as well as environmental psychology. To this end, a section will depict particular external factors to the individuals that have been suggested as key to shaping compelling and responsible tourist experiences, regardless of their type, namely: sensory stimuli (corporeal and virtual), social elements, products and themes. Practical case examples (destinations, firms and attractions) are offered to illustrate the referred marketing approaches to the different elements composing the tourist experience, and its respective outcomes. This analysis considers the multi-phasic nature of the tourist experience, as well as the contribution of these contemporary marketing approaches to the creation of innovative offerings and communication strategies addressed to segments of visitors fitting sustainable tourism goals set by destinations and companies.
