Effects of Tourist-to-Tourist Interactions on Experience Cocreation: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective

Abstract

This study explored the tourism experience cocreation process from the tourist-to-tourist interaction (TTI) perspective using a mixed method approach. Two categories of TTIs (verbal and nonverbal TTIs) and the dimensions of verbal TTIs (tourism information sharing and self-disclosure) were first identified through a qualitative study. Afterwards, the mechanism of how TTIs can influence tourist engagement was empirically examined. The findings showed that each type of TTI had a significant positive impact on tourists’ sense of closeness. Both tourism information sharing and nonverbal TTIs were found to positively influence tourists’ sense of control. In addition, sense of closeness and sense of control were found to significantly enhance tourist engagement. Furthermore, nonverbal TTIs were found to moderate the mediation effect of sense of closeness in the relationship between tourism information sharing and tourist engagement.