“Sensing” the destination: Development of the destination sensescape index

Despite the increasing academic interest in sensory dimension of tourist experience, quantitative empirical research field is limited by a lack measurement instruments for evaluating stimuli perceived tourists during destination visit. The study addresses this gap developing composite index to assess panorama, termed as “destination sensescape”. construct conceptualised formative multidimensional variable with 5 dimensions (visualscape, smellscape, tastescape, soundscape, and hapticscape). psychometric validity reliability 17 items integrating were established rigorous multi-step procedure based on three studies. instrument was tested data collected from visitors Mediterranean urban destination. operationalisation sensescape not only paves way future studies, but also yields useful tool Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs).