The sensory dimension of the tourist experience in mountain destinations: the case of Serra da Estrela Natural Park

Abstract

This paper examines the tourism experience lived by visitors in mountain destinations, particularly focusing on the sensory dimension of the tourist experience. This study aims to understand the importance of the five senses in the experience lived by visitors in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Primary data was collected through a questionnaire-based survey, answered by 241 visitors of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, during the summer of 2015. The results of the study suggest that all senses are important, but not all have the same importance in the tourist experience.