変革的旅行経験の研究動向と今後の課題

抄録

In recent years, as the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, a research topic that has rapidly gained attention overseas is the transformative travel experience. The transformative travel experience has been recognized as a process in which events that occur during travel serve as a catalyst for positive changes in one’s self-perception, attitudes, behavior patterns, and ways of engaging with the world. In this article, we review the recent research trends in transformative travel experiences with the aim of contributing to the development of this field in Japan. First, our study attempts to clarify the ambiguous aspects found in previous studies regarding the definition of transformative travel experiences and their distinctions from similar concepts. Additionally, we organized the previous findings regarding the mechanisms and effects of transformative travel experiences and also discuss some open issues and directions for further research. Travel is a significant leisure activity and a major industry with a substantial economic impact, while it is also an activity that nurtures the human spirit. Empirical research on transformative travel experiences and travel is expected to advance the industry and improve people’s quality of life in the future.