Understanding Memorable Red Tourism Experiences Using the Q Method

Red tourism in China has expanded significantly since 2004, driven by government initiatives focused on economic development, cultural preservation, and Communist Party promotion. Despite this growth, red tourism often fails to engage tourists effectively due to a lack of focus on their experiences. This study employed the Q method with 31 samples to identify four key components of memorable red tourism experiences: identity experience, mixed emotional experience, cost-effective experience, and knowledge experience. Theoretically, this study underscores how red tourism can fulfill personal political goals and highlights the impact of affordability on creating memorable experiences. It also challenges the idea that hedonism is central to red tourism, while stressing the importance of cultural authenticity. The findings provide practical guidance for red tourism destination management to create more engaging and meaningful experiences. The recommendations include enhancing experiential atmospheres, incorporating red cultural elements, and balancing cultural authenticity with entertainment.