DOES THE TOURIST’S PROFILE MATTER? PERCEPTIONS AND OPINIONS ABOUT THE FIESTA DE LOS PATIOS IN CORDOBA, SPAIN

Abstract

This research aims to determine the differences and similarities in perceptions, experiences, satisfaction, and behaviour intention of travellers who engage with, and appreciate Intangible Cultural Heritage, according to the sociodemographic profile of these travellers. Literature concerning Intangible Cultural Heritage tourists’ profile is still scarce, being important for World Heritage Site destinations or places with Intangible Cultural Heritage recognition to identify the tourists attracted by culture and heritage. Thus, the work presented intend to cover the gap identified in this sense, taking as reference the results obtained from fieldwork consisting of a structured questionnaire which was administered to a representative sample of tourists who participated in the Fiesta de los Patios event in Cordoba (Spain), which is recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage asset. Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests are used to compare groups of the sample according to the sociodemographic profile of the tourists, revealing statistical differences among these groups. The results enable us to analyse the post-COVID tourist, and determine to what extent they are satisfied with the new worldwide situation. This research could be useful both to public agents of tourism promotion and private businesses, whose target audience are tourists attending this type of event. The research unpacks the profile of the visitor, relating their gender, age, educational level, and income to their experiences, perceptions, satisfaction, and behaviour intention. This enables the tourist offer to be adapted, making it more attractive to the potential client.