'Flow', sightseeing, satisfaction and personal development: exploring relationships via positive psychology

Abstract

This conceptual paper begins with a short description of positive psychology and its salient, 'flow' theory. It then briefly discusses previous research of 'flow'. A lack of research of this optimal state in the tourism field and particularly in non-physical activity tourism settings is highlighted. In this context, three key topics are identified and discussed: the 'flow' state as a tool for understanding optimal sightseeing experiences; the 'flow' state as a mechanism for understanding on-site tourist satisfaction; and the 'flow' state as a function of tourists' personal development. The paper concludes with a research agenda for tourism researchers interested in the 'flow' model.