From restoration to transformation in tourism experience: unearthing the critical roles of motivation and reflection

Tourism can offer restorative and transformative experiences that enhance people's well-being. However, the process of translating travel-related restoration into transformation is unclear. This study employed a grounded theory approach to explore the socio-psychological mechanisms of tourists experiencing a transition from restoration to transformation. We analyzed 35 in-depth interviews with domestic tourists visiting Tibet, a destination with rich natural and cultural endowments. Both nature-based and culture-based restorative qualities were identified; authenticity and awe represent novel additions to the literature. Tourists' motivations and reflection played critical roles in the restoration–transformation transition: while motivations primarily determined restorative perceptions, reflection served as a gateway to transformation. • Identifies authenticity and awe as additional destination restorative qualities • Reveals the links between motivations and restorative experiences • Identifies reflection as the gateway from restoration to transformation • Reveals the joint role of natural and cultural environments in restorative experiences