Memorable Tourism Experiences for Retired Intellectual Explorers: Case Study of Walking Tours (KEY IJP************457)

• Nai-hui Yeh,Chia-han Yang

Abstract

As the global population ages, an increasing number of Retired Intellectual Explorers (RIEs) seek meaningful and enriching tourism experiences. This study investigates the key factors contributing to memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) for this demographic, using a combination of questionnaires and interviews to explore seven core dimensions introduced by Kim et al. (2012). Memorable Tourism Experience scale - hedonism, refreshment, meaningfulness, local culture, involvement, knowledge, and novelty.The research highlights that Retired Intellectual Explorers (RIEs) value depth, personal engagement, and intellectual fulfillment as central to their tourism experiences, with an emphasis on knowledge-sharing and personalization through customized tours. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of how aging populations shape tourism behaviors and offer insights into the development of more targeted, enriching tourism services.By focusing on the Walking Tours in Taiwan, this study provides practical insights for both academia and the tourism industry, underscoring the importance of designing experiences that cater to the intellectual and emotional needs of Retired Intellectual Explorers (RIEs). As such, this research serves as a foundation for creating more memorable and fulfilling experiences for an increasingly significant demographic in global tourism.