Walking the talk: A High Engagement Research implementation framework in the qualitative study of tourism and hospitality experiences

• Published in: Tourism management perspectives 2023-09, Vol.48, p.101142, Article 101142
• Main Authors: Manfreda, Anita, Presbury, Rajka, Richardson, Scott, Melissen, Frans, King, Justin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dyadic interview; Fieldwork; High engagement research; Participation; Photo-elicitation; Shadowing
• ISSN: 2211-9736; 2211-9744
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tmp.2023.101142

Tourism and hospitality (T&H) experiences have traditionally received limited qualitative scholarly attention, with studies favouring more quantitative, immediate, and low-touch investigations. However, quantitatively capturing the complexity of lived experiences is challenging, given their people-centricity and ever-evolving nature. This paper provides an account and framework for the implementation of High Engagement Research (HER) in the qualitative study of T&H experiences. We evaluate HER benefits and challenges, highlighting how HER can facilitate deep engagement and immersion in the research context, increase the quality and trustworthiness of the data collected, and generate mutual benefits and meaningful opportunities for the researchers' and participants' collaboration in knowledge creation and dissemination. Contributing to qualitative methods and practice in T&H research, this paper aims to be a catalyst for increased future adoption of HER in contexts and with participants that have been difficult to engage. •Proposes a High Engagement Research (HER) implementation framework for studying tourism and hospitality experiences.•Evaluates benefits and challenges of conducting HER in highly inaccessible T&H contexts.•Highlights the role of researcher's positionality, reflexivity, and affective and social abilities in HER's success.•Discusses practices and strategies to increase engagement with participants and T&H operators during fieldwork.