Effects of podcast tours on tourist experiences in a national park

This study examines the influence of podcast tours on tourist experiences. Based on theoretical accounts that human voices convey rich social information, this study proposes that podcast tours increase perceived social presence and mindfulness that lead to enhanced tourist experiences and environmental stewardship. A field experiment was conducted at a national park using MP3 players containing podcast tours based on four experimental conditions: 2 information source compositions (single vs. multiple narrator voices) × 2 narrating styles (formal vs. conversational). The results support that even if communicated through audio-only media, the human voice creates a positive social context for meaningful interaction which influences tourist experiences and stewardship. Mindfulness was also found to be an important construct affecting the quality of experiences. The findings support the usefulness of podcast tours as interpretative media.

► The human voice, conveyed via audio-only media, created positive tourist experiences.
► The human voice increased social presence.
► The increased social presence influenced tourist experiences and stewardship.
► Mindfulness was a critical construct affecting tourist experiences and stewardship.
► The findings support the usefulness of podcast tours as interpretative media.