AESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE QUALITIES OF VACATION DESTINATIONS: HOW ARE THEY RELATED?

Given a dearth of scholarly attention to the relationship of destination aesthetic and restorative qualities, this research investigates the connection between destination aesthetic and restorative qualities. It also explores the interrelationship between restorative and aesthetic qualities in nature-based and urban destinations. Associations between destination aesthetic qualities (Locale Characteristics, Scope, Upkeep, Accord, Perceived Age, and Shape) and restorative qualities (Compatibility, Extent, Mentally Away, Physically Away, Discord, and Fascination) were estimated by canonical correlation analysis. In nature-based destinations, the results illuminate the criticality of experiential characteristics of nature aesthetics to perceived destination restorative qualities and of fascination to destination aesthetic qualities. In urban destinations, findings indicate the importance of experiential characteristics of destinations and compatibility of tourists' needs and predispositions to vacation destination characteristics. Implications to tourism experience design are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]