The creative tourism experience and its impact on promoting attachment to the place - An analytical study of the opinions of a sample of tourists in the Marshlands.

Abstract

Abstract

The research aims to identify the creative tourist experience and its influence on the strengthening of place attachment, i.e. the marshlands region. The researcher relied on two main variables, the independent variable is represented by the creative tourist experience. Its dimensions are escape and appreciation, peace of mind, participation is unique, interaction, and learning. The second variable is the dependent variable, which is represented by attaching to a place. Its dimensions are the reliability of the place, and the identity of the place. The researcher adopted the simple random sample method for a group of tourists. The sample included (310) tourists in the marshes area and in a direct method through field visits to the research area. The filed visit last two months with (8) trips every Friday by interviewing tourists  and distributing the questionnaire forms to them. Where (310) questionnaires were distributed, and (303) questionnaires were retrieved. (300) questionnaires were subjected to statistical analysis. (3) questionnaires were excluded and were not valid for statistical analysis. The researcher used various statistical tools, such as (SPSS V.21) software and (Smartpls.3.2.9), in the statistical analysis. The most important conclusion of this study shows that there is a significant effect of the creative tourist experience on the strengthening of place attachment. This leads us to conclude that it is possible in the current situation, despite the challenges that are facing the tourism sector in Iraq, the connection of tourists to the place can be enhanced by the creative tourist experience.