From liminal spaces to life meaning: exploring transformative experiences of Asian female solo travelers in Indigenous tourism

This study investigates the transformative experiences and psychological outcomes of Asian female solo travelers within Taiwan’s Indigenous tourism setting. Drawing on liminality theory, this study develops and empirically tests a structural model that links liminality, memorable tourism experiences (MTEs), meaning in life (MIL), and place attachment (PA). Data were collected from 372 female visitors to the Rukai Indigenous community of Wutai and analyzed using PLS-SEM. Results revealed that destination-induced liminality significantly enhances both MTEs and MIL, which in turn mediate its effects on PA. The study emphasizes the significance of emotionally engaging and meaningful encounters in promoting psychological connection, empowerment, and attachment. The findings advance the theoretical understanding of liminality in a gendered travel context and offer practical implications for Indigenous tourism managers in designing reflective, empowering, and culturally immersive experiences.