Loyalty program in Africa: risk-seeking and risk-averse adventurers

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to test the relationship between expected attractiveness-satisfaction-loyalty for international adventure tourists visiting Tanzania. The proposed model is based on travel consumer behavior theoretical constructs extracted from the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This article aims to test the relationship between expected attractiveness-satisfaction-loyalty for international adventure tourists visiting Tanzania. The proposed model is based on travel consumer behavior theoretical constructs extracted from the literature.

Findings

The findings for overall model differed from the moderating factors of high risk, low risk, first-time visit and repeat visit. Also, the results are interesting when satisfaction is tested as a mediator.

Practical implications

Practitioners could consider the fact that repeat visits may change tourists’ perceptions toward destination and may even increase their inclination to take on risks. This may impact innovation of consumer products in tourism. Also, policy makers could benefit on how loyalty programs can be developed to increase performance.

Originality/value

The study offers specific strategic recommendations toward different groups of tourists (i.e. first-time, repeat visitors, risk averse, risk seeking) and proposes logic for setting up a loyalty program as a long-term strategy for success.

Citation

Mlozi, S. (2014), "Loyalty program in Africa: risk-seeking and risk-averse adventurers", Tourism Review, Vol. 69 No. 2, pp. 137-157. https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-10-2013-0057