Antecedents and outcome of tourists' positive achievement emotions in visiting risky destinations: The case of Middle East

The learning experience is an inseparable part of tourism, especially in a risk context. This study investigates the mechanism of tourists' achievement emotions in visiting risky destinations. The Control-Value Theory of Achievement Emotions has been applied and transposed from the education to tourism context for the first time. Data was collected from seven top markets for the Middle East. Local people and tour leaders' support, along with perceived risks, are antecedents of tourists' self-efficacy and task value. Findings also confirm the positive influence of tourists' enjoyment and pride on their memorable traveling experiences in the Middle East destinations. Therefore, this study provides empirical evidence for previous literature on the importance of socio-psychological aspects of the tourist experience. Besides numerous theoretical contributions, this research offers several suggestions to DMOs for boosting tourism in the Middle East region. However, the implications can be applied to any risky destinations with similar condition.