A honeymoon is one of the first memories that a couple experiences as newly-weds.
Due to this, it is important for the honeymoon to be something that generates many
positive emotions and fulfils all the couples’ wishes and requests.
This research explores the emotional value of leisure tourism, more specifically the
honeymoon industry and finds what aspects of the honeymoon are the most valued.
The research aimed to find what specifically triggers emotional responses in
honeymooners, with questionnaires and interviews being designed in order to
achieve this. The research met the aim and objectives by using an array of literature
regarding emotional value in tourism and collecting primary data to discover the
emotional aspects of honeymoons for couples.
The key findings from this research were: that the booking process is a crucial part of
the honeymoon and generates emotions from the beginning; more people than
expected enjoyed ‘non-traditional’ honeymoons, i.e. not on a beach in a warm
climate, suggesting honeymoon products can be expanded and developed; and
finally, the main conclusion from the research it that creating memories with partners
and being together sharing an experience are the most important aspects of a
honeymoon, generating positive emotions from these aspects. Travel agents need to
be able to sell these emotional experiences, something that will maximise emotional
value for honeymooners in the UK.