More than sense of place? Exploring the emotional dimension of rural tourism experiences

Rural tourism in the English Lake District induces strong emotional and spiritual responses, independent of individuals' openness to spirituality or sense of place. The study found that engaging physically with the landscape—becoming part of it—was fundamental to these experiences. All respondents reported highly emotive encounters, with interpretations shaped by personal beliefs rather than a pre-existing attachment to rurality. This challenges the notion that sense of place is a prerequisite for emotional fulfillment in tourism, highlighting the profound impact of immersive, physical engagement with nature.

Jepson, D., & Sharpley, R. (2014). More than sense of place? Exploring the emotional dimension of rural tourism experiences. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 23(8-9), 1157–1178. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2014.953543