Memorable experience, tourist-destination identification and destination love

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of memorable destination experience and destination attractiveness on tourist-destination identification and destination love. It also investigates the moderating role of gender.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the cluster sampling method, the study selected cities of a developing country with the most popular destinations. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from a sample of foreign and domestic tourists. To test the research model, a covariance-based structural equation modelling approach was adopted.

Findings

According to the results, destination attractiveness and memorable experience had a positive effect on tourist-destination identification. Similarly, tourist-destination identification positively influenced destination love. In addition, destination love impacts the intention to revisit and word-of-mouth. Finally, the results indicate that gender moderates some of these relationships.

Originality/value

Understanding what items can create strong bonds between destination and tourist is of great importance. By providing a validated conceptual model that traces the relationship between memorable experience, destination attractiveness and tourist-destination identification through cognitive, affective and evaluative dimensions, this study attempts to answer prior calls for examination from the viewpoint of tourism scholars.

Citation

Mohammad Shafiee, M., Foroudi, P. and Tabaeeian, R.A. (2021), "Memorable experience, tourist-destination identification and destination love", International Journal of Tourism Cities, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 799-817. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJTC-09-2020-0176