Converting idol attachment into place attachment: a study of fan tourists’ idol-following travel

ABSTRACT

Idol-following travel is a global cultural phenomenon with significant economic benefits for destinations. This research adopts a mixed-method approach guided by Interaction Ritual Theory to understand the idol effect on destinations. Study 1 explores the driving force behind fan tourists’ idol-following travel, the interaction rituals during the trip, and the emotions toward the destination after the journey through qualitative analysis. Study 2 uses PLS-SEM analysis to test how idol attachment converts into place attachment. Findings reveal that idol attachment positively affects fan-environment and fan-fan interactions, enhancing fans’ empathy with their idols. This empathy increases their attachment to the destination.

KEYWORDS:

• Fan tourist
• idol-following travel
• interaction ritual theory
• idol attachment
• place attachment

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Jay Chou is a Taiwanese singer from China, known for his contributions to the Mandarin pop genre.

2. Elvis Presley, often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll,” was an American singer and actor who is one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Planning Project of Humanities and Social Sciences Fund of Ministry of Education of China [22XJA630008]; 2021 Hainan Graduate Innovation Research Project [Qhyb2021-01]; National Natural Science Foundation of China [72061010, 72362009]; Natural Science Foundation of Hainan Province [623RC445, 724RC493, 722RC646, 721RC515].