Dimensions, participation, and self-congruity in ritualized activities in intangible cultural heritage tourism

The purpose of the study was to address a knowledge vacuum in the field by providing a definition and quantitative measure of ritualized experiences within the emerging market for intangible cultural heritage (ICH) tourism. Studies concentrating on legacy tourism have neglected to address three significant emotional outcomes of cultural tourism-the subjective vitality, self-congruity, and engagement-of visitors. This study addresses those void researchers in Suzhou, China, used structural equation modeling (SEM) to look at information from 357 individuals who went to a local history fair. According to the findings, four main elements make up ritualized ICH tourist experiences: non-functionality, ceremonialism, distinctiveness, and dedication. A key conclusion is that self-congruity mediates the positive effect of these interactions on visitor engagement. In addition to enhancing our understanding of ritual in historical tourism, these studies provide practical insights into how destinations might use their financial and socio-cultural endowments.