One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure: Negative Experiences of Tourists with Different Satisfaction Levels

Tourist experiences, while subjective, can evoke both positive and negative emotions regardless of satisfaction levels. A study on Lijiang Old Town revealed that tourists with varying satisfaction levels share common negative experience themes—such as commercialization, lack of authenticity, 'touristy' aspects, and disorientation—but perceive them differently. While low-satisfaction tourists often complain about these elements, highly satisfied ones may appreciate the same experiences, highlighting a phenomenon where 'one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.' The research used computer-assisted content analysis to explore these perceptions, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches in addressing negative feedback. This insight challenges conventional notions of tourist satisfaction and underscores the importance of tailoring tourism management strategies to individual expectations.

Li, L., Zhuang, Y., Gao, Y., & Li, S. (2022). One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure: Negative Experiences of Tourists with Different Satisfaction Levels. Sustainability, 14(23), 15964. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315964