Abstract
This study investigates the impact of previous film-viewing experience on dark tourism experience, focusing on the Titanic film and the Titanic Belfast attraction. It adopts a quantitative-driven, sequential mixed-methods design, conducted in Belfast, UK, between April and July 2023. A preliminary study was conducted to inform the development of the novel construct film engagement through memory retrieval. The main study’s first phase involved quantitative data collection via a closed-ended, self-administered questionnaire, yielding 264 valid responses. The second phase collected qualitative data from 30 open-ended written responses to complement the quantitative findings.
Partial least squares structural equation modelling was employed to examine the hypothesised relationships, with film viewing recency tested as a categorical moderator using multigroup analysis. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was conducted to explore the underlying mechanisms and enrich interpretation of the model.
The findings reveal that both engagement within the attraction and film engagement through memory retrieval mediate the relationship between audience involvement and the perceived value of the dark tourism experience. Perceived value, in turn, positively influences satisfaction and subsequent behavioural intentions. Viewing recency moderates these effects: recent viewers exhibit stronger emotional recall but may be more narrowly focused on film associations, while distant viewers demonstrate more balanced engagement, stronger appreciation of the tourism attraction, and higher behavioural intentions.
Theoretically, this research introduces and validates the construct of film engagement through memory retrieval, extending visitor experience models by integrating dual-process theory and memory theory. It contributes to tourism literature at the intersection of film tourism and dark tourism. Practically, the findings offer insights for tourism practitioners in designing experiences that acknowledge film-based memory while maintaining historical authenticity