A framework for studying the learning outcomes of Chinese outbound group tourists

Abstract

This article uses existing studies to build a rich framework that depicts the learning outcomes of Chinese outbound group tourists.Key themes used to build the framework include perspectives on learning from literature in psychology, previous research on traveler learning in Western contexts, learning through traveling in Chinese culture, and key characteristics of the Chinese outbound travel market.Influential determining forces are identified and potential learning is depicted as (a) no learning, (b) orientation awareness,(c) the acquisition of basic facts, (d) the enhancement of skills, and (e) the learning of values, new views, and reflections on Chinese society. It is proposed that there are variable patterns of learning outcomes among tourists depending on the mix of forces shaping their individual circumstances and travel experiences.