Applying the dimensions of flow to explore visitor engagement and satisfaction

This article applies models from the field of positive psychology in conceptualising and appraising visitor or tourist satisfaction. In particular, visitor engagement is explored using personal narrative essays as a means of assessing satisfaction. Twenty university study-abroad students participated in the study, writing reflective essays about their year-long overseas experience. The results suggest that aspects of flow, and other concepts from positive psychology, were part of the students' satisfaction. Exploring engagement in this way has thus uncovered a fresh layer of satisfaction that could not have been detected by a traditional tourist satisfaction approach.