Here are some of the existing data on how storytelling can be used to champion emerging destinations, along with resources I found most helpful in my quest so far:
- Binkhorst, E., & Den Dekker, T. (2009). Agenda for Co-Creation Tourism Experience Research. Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management, 18(2-3), 311-327. https://doi.org/10.1080/19368620802594193
- Follows on from Mossberg’s research to explore how co-creation of experiences works.
- Buonincontri, P., Morvillo, A., Okumus, F., & van Niekerk, M. (2017). Managing the experience co-creation process in tourism destinations: Empirical findings from Naples. Tourism Management, 62, 264-277.
- References Mossberg’s work and looks to replicate the study in Italy.
- de Beer, M. A., van Zyl, C., & Rogerson, C. M. (2022). Storytelling for destination development: Towards an African model. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 11(4), 1491-1501.
- A study into how storytelling can be applied to the African narrative, referencing Mossberg’s research.
- Derry, R. (2012). Reclaiming marginalized stakeholders. Journal of Business Ethics, 111(2), 253-264.
- Explores how not all parts of the community are given an equal voice when it comes to crafting the narrative.
- Eikelenboom, M., & Long, T. B. (2022). Breaking the Cycle of Marginalization: How to Involve Local Communities in Multi-stakeholder Initiatives. Journal of Business Ethics, 186(1), 31-62. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-022-05252-5
- This study investigates how marginalized stakeholders, and local communities in particular, can be successfully involved in a multi-stakeholder initiative.
- Ganassali, S., & Matysiewicz, J. (2021). Echoing the golden legends: Storytelling archetypes and their impact on brand perceived value. Journal of Marketing Management, 37(5-6), 437-463.
- This article examines how storytelling can be an important cultural brand strategy management instrument.
- Hughes, K., & Moscardo, G. (2023). Once upon a time: the impact of storytelling on connecting people to natural landscapes. Environmental Education Research, 30(2), 235–250. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2023.2246695
- Highlights how storytelling can encourage people to visit natural places of significance – core theory source.
- Jo, M., Cha, J., & Kim, J. (2022). The Effects of Tourism Storytelling on Tourism Destination Brand Value, Lovemarks and Relationship Strength in South Korea. Sustainability, 14(24), 16495. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416495
- This study investigates the effects of tourism storytelling on the tourism destination brand value in South Korea.
- Lundqvist, A., Liljander, V., Gummerus, J., & van Riel, A. (2012). The impact of storytelling on the consumer brand experience: The case of a firm-originated story. Journal of Brand Management, 20(4), 283-297. https://doi.org/10.1057/bm.2012.15
- Expounds on Mossberg’s work to explore how companies can use storytelling to build their brands
- McCabe, S., Sharples, M., & Foster, C. (2012). Stakeholder engagement in the design of scenarios of technology-enhanced tourism services. Tourism Management Perspectives, 4, 36-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2012.04.007
- Studies how tourism stakeholders can contribute to ideas for an integrated tourism service, based on scenarios.
- Moscardo, G. (1996). Mindful visitors. Annals of Tourism Research, 23(2), 376-397. https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-7383(95)00068-2
- The source for my core theory and the most widely cited piece of research.
- Moscardo, G. (2020). Stories and design in tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 83, 102950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2020.102950
- Explores the use of stories as a concept to guide the design of various dimensions of tourism and tourist experience
- Moscardo, G. (2010). The role of storytelling in developing destination brand identity: A case study of Port Douglas, Australia. Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management, 19(1), 53-72.
- This paper outlines Moscardo’s framework for using destination storytelling to enhance the tourist experience and build brand identity.
- Moscardo, G. (2014). Interpretation and destination community engagement. In P. M. Burns, C. Palmer, & J. A. Lester (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Cultural Tourism (pp. 363-371). Routledge.
- This book chapter discusses the importance of involving local communities in crafting authentic destination narratives.
- Moscardo, G., & Ballantyne, R. (2008). Interpretation and attractions. In A. Fyall, B. Garrod, A. Leask, & S. Wanhill (Eds.), Managing visitor attractions: New directions (pp. 245-273). Routledge.
- This book chapter discusses the importance of involving local communities in crafting authentic destination narratives.
- Moscardo, G., & Pearce, P. L. (1999). Understanding ethnic tourists. Annals of Tourism Research, 26(2), 416-434.
- This study explores how destination narratives can be tailored to meet the expectations and interests of different tourist segments.
- Mossberg, L. (2008). Extraordinary Experiences through Storytelling. Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, 8(3), 195–210. https://doi.org/10.1080/15022250802532443
- This research shows how storytelling can be a vital part of promoting lesser-known destinations and experiences and making the resulting travel more memorable.
- Mossberg, L., & Johansen, E. N. (2006). Storytelling-Marknadsföring i upplevelseindustrin.
- Mossberg, L., Therkelsen, A., Huijbens, E., Björk, P., & Olsson, A. K. (2011). Storytelling and Destination Development. Possibilities and drawbacks of using storytelling as a means of developing and marketing Nordic tourism destinations. Nordic Innovation Centre. http://www.nordicinnovation.org/Publications/storytelling-and-destination-development/
- This piece explores how important it is to involve local stakeholders in crafting a compelling narrative which then becomes part of every visitor’s story.
- Olsson, A. K., Therkelsen, A., & Mossberg, L. (2016). Making an effort for free – volunteers’ roles in destination-based storytelling. Current Issues in Tourism, 19(7), 659–679. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2013.784242
- The research also talks about how local volunteers contribute a unique viewpoint to the overall narrative with their individual stories, which is especially relevant as I am keen to explore how stories change and adapt based on the purpose and motive for the exploration.
- Steves, R. (2024). Rick Steves Europe through the back door (40th edition). Avalon Travel, Hachette Book Group.
- This frequently updated book highlights how to explore unknown and emerging destinations as opposed to the common or “touristic” ones that provide a commercialized experience similar to other mainstream destinations.
- Shen, H., & Wall, G. (2021). Social media, space and leisure in small cities. Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 26(2), 73-80.
- This research focuses on the development of small cities and town in the social media era.
- Steves, R. (2021). Travel as a political act (Third edition). Avalon Travel, Hachette Book Group
- The book explores the concept of opening up yourself to new experiences and ideas through travel, and how your travels can make an impact on the local community in multiple ways.
- Uysal, M., Perdue, R., & Sirgy, M. J. (Eds.). (2012). Handbook of tourism and quality-of-life research: Enhancing the lives of tourists and residents of host communities. Springer Netherlands.
- Another piece that helped me learn more about local community involvement.
- Woodside, A. G. (2010). Brand‐consumer storytelling theory and research: Introduction to a Psychology & Marketing special issue. Psychology & Marketing, 27(6), 531-540.
- Highlights how consumers actively participate in creating narratives around brands.
- Woodside, A. G., Cruickshank, B. F., & Dehuang, N. (2007). Stories visitors tell about Italian cities as destination icons. Tourism Management, 28(1), 162-174.
- Explores storytelling in small Italian towns as a method for increasing visitor engagement
- Zhang, Y., & Lauer, G. (2015). How culture shapes the reading of fairy tales: A cross-cultural approach. comparative literature studies, 52(4), 663-681.
- Approaches storytelling though the lens of fairy tales and myth.
- Zhong, Y.Y., Busser, J. and Baloglu, S. (2017) ‘A Model of Memorable Tourism Experience: The Effects On Satisfaction, Affective Commitment, And Storytelling’, Tourism Analysis, 22(2), pp. 201–217. doi:10.3727/108354217×14888192562366.
- Empirical research from 400 tourists who evaluated their recent travels through the lens of storytelling.

Leave a comment