The Influence of Sensory Language on Female Tourists’ Experiences in The Tourism Industry

Abstract

The rise of “her economy” has positioned female tourists as a dominant force in global tourism, driving demand for culturally immersive and emotionally resonant experiences. Sensory marketing, through strategic engagement of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, proves critical in shaping travel decisions and loyalty. However, existing research predominantly emphasizes visual and auditory stimuli, neglecting proximal senses (e.g., olfactory, tactile) and gender-specific sensory interactions. This study addresses this gap by examining how sensory language—a multi-modal narrative tool—enhances female tourists’ experiences, with a focus on the Pingjiang Historic District in Suzhou, China. Utilizing mixed methods, including behavioral data analysis and in-depth interviews, the research reveals that women exhibit heightened sensitivity to emotionally charged sensory cues, prioritizing safety, aesthetic coherence, and social sharing opportunities. Findings highlight Pingjiang’s success in creating a “poetic sensory mix” blending traditional aesthetics with modern innovations. However, challenges persist, including over-reliance on visual pictures, insufficient gender-responsive design, and technology-induced sensory distraction. Proposed solutions advocate for cross-sensory synergy, female-centric spatial planning, and community-driven authenticity preservation. The study contributes theoretically by linking gender differences to multi-sensory design frameworks, while offering practical strategies for destinations to amplify emotional engagement and market competitiveness through inclusive, sensory-rich narratives.