Enhancing Tourist Experience through Active Creative Mobility (ACM): Placemaking as an Engaging Environment Concept to Historic Mining District

Abstract

This study examines tourists’ perceptions of Active Creative Mobility (ACM) in a historic mining district to determine how it affects their heritage site experiences. Although ACM has been examined in contemporary urban settings, its significance in historically important regions such as ex-mining districts remains insufficiently studied. The research addresses this gap by investigating how tourists’ perceptions and responses shape their engagement with ACM in the context of historic mining district. A survey of 254 tourists visiting Sawahlunto, a historic mining district in Indonesia, was conducted. The data were analysed using factor analysis and regression models to identify key variables influencing visitor engagement. The findings highlight that factors such as accessibility, historicity, community involvement, and cultural movement play crucial roles in motivating tourists to engage with the district’s heritage. These factors strengthen experiential engagement by connecting movement through space with cultural and historical interpretation. The study contributes to the literature on Active Creative Mobility and phenomenological tourism by emphasizing the dynamic relationship between tourists and the heritage sites they visit. In conclusion, promoting ACM in historic mining districts can significantly improve the tourist experience, increase engagement, and contribute to the sustainable development of heritage tourism. Keywords: active creative mobility, historic mining district, tourist engagement, placemaking, heritage tourism