Creativity in the JoHari window: An alternative model for creating tourism programmes

Abstract

Alongside the recent cultural tourism trends of edutainment, active participation, learning, and the interest in the ‘unique’; the desire of tourists to get involved in the creative process has been steadily gaining popularity. The final aim of this desire for involvement is not necessarily the creation of an artwork, but rather the process of experiencing. This is where creativity and creative activities play an important role, even in tourism. This paper examines the forms and perspectives of participation and creativity in tourism supply by developing an alternative JoHari model; exploring creative tourism from the perspective of co-creation between tourists and hosts. The model developed is based on the so-called JoHari window, a socio-psychological tool used to describe human interactions. The model shows the degrees and possibilities of creativity provided for tourists, which might help to make an element of tourism supply more refined and attractive. The model provides opportunities for exposing tourists to a varied range of positive impulses within a single programme. A literature is supported by primary research conducted with a focus group to examine recent demand trends in festivals and museums. The model is intended to serve suppliers, showing how they can better adapt to recent consumer trends and needs, and how creativity can be utilised across different cultural forms.