Psychological distance in the heritage experience

This paper introduces the concept of psychological distance as it relates to the literature on heritage tourism. The framework puts identity and the personal meaning of heritage at the heart of the heritage experience, showing how the concrete experience at the site is affected by the psychological distance. The concept of psychological distance and the underlying dimensions (i.e., experiential, spatial and socio-cultural) are shown to influence the level of construal that changes the experience of the heritage site. High psychological distance produces more general and abstract internal representations of the object of heritage, while low psychological distance produces more concrete and contextual conceptualizations. A discussion of the managerial and research implications is presented.

► We explain how psychological distance regulates the heritage experience. ► We apply construal level theory to the experience of heritage sites. ► Higher psychological distance relates to a higher construal of the heritage site. ► Lower psychological distance relates to a lower construal of the heritage site.