Chat with AI Ep. 3: "Why tourists seek genuine local experiences"

 

Duarte: 

In P1tLab we do not study tourist behavior; however, we work with microentrepreneurs in co-designing their experiences and therefore we need to have some insight into the drivers of visitor and resident behavior.  Additionally, due to our participatory action research approach, we have been partnering with microentrepreneurs for a decade in marketing their experiences. As a result we have developed some market insights from our in-person interactions and online feedback gathering with the people that participate in P1t experiences.

Today I thought it would be interesting to explore AI’s opinion on this topic:

Hello…  Can you explain why tourists might be motivated to seek genuine experiences offered by local microentrepreneurs from the destination communities they visit?

ChatGPT:

Of course! 

Tourists are often drawn to seek genuine experiences offered by local microentrepreneurs because these experiences provide a deeper and more authentic connection to the destination. Interacting with microentrepreneurs allows tourists to engage in cultural exchange, learn about local traditions, and support the local economy directly. These experiences can be more unique and less commercialized, giving tourists a chance to see the destination from a local perspective and create lasting memories.

Duarte:

I have learned that this tourist behavior became more widespread after the COVID pandemic. Can you explain why that might be?

ChatGPT:

Certainly!  The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift in tourist behavior towards seeking genuine experiences from local microentrepreneurs for a few reasons;

1.      Safety and avoiding of crowds: In the wake of the pandemic, travelers became more conscious of avoiding crowded tourist spots. Engaging with local microentrepreneurs often involves smaller, more intimate settings, reducing the risk of exposure to large groups.

2.      Authenticity and connection:  With restrictions on international travel and a desire for meaningful experiences, tourists turned into interactions with locals as a way to connect with the culture and community on a deeper level. Local microentrepreneurs can offer firsthand insights and stories that larger tourist attractions might lack.

3.      Supporting local communities: The pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of local economies heavily dependent on tourism. Travelers’ interest in engaging with microentrepreneurs emerged as a way to directly support local businesses and individuals, helping them recover from the economic impact of the pandemic.

4.      Unique and personalized experiences: Microentrepreneurs often offer tailor-made experiences that cater to individual preferences. Tourists were drawn to these personalized options, which provided a departure from mass tourism and cookie-cutter attractions.

5.      Off-the-beaten-path travel: Lockdowns and travel restrictions led people to seek out less crowded and off-the-beaten-path destinations.  Local microentrepreneurs often operate in these lesser-known areas, making them attractive options for those looking to explore new, uncrowded places.

Overall, the pandemic redefined travel priorities, pushing tourists towards more meaningful, local, and less crowded experiences offered by microentrepreneurs.

 

8/15/23