The effects of travel experience dimensions on tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty: the case of an island destination

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effects of travel experience dimensions on tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 457 international tourists visiting Phuket through a convenience sampling method. The structural equation modeling approach by AMOS was used to test the effects.

Findings

In case of island destination, beach attraction is not the only factor contributing to tourists’ loyalty, but hospitality of local people also plays an essential component to retain loyal tourists.

Research limitations/implications

This study examined only one construct (i.e. travel experience) affecting tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty.

Practical implications

Tourist experience in beach attractions and local people are the key factors to retain royal tourists.

Social implications

Quality of beaches and friendliness of local people are important factors to promote island tourism.

Originality/value

Two key factors of tourist experience were found to affect tourists’ loyalty in the case of island destination: beach attractions and local people.

Citation

Sangpikul, A. (2018), "The effects of travel experience dimensions on tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty: the case of an island destination", International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, Vol. 12 No. 1, pp. 106-123. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCTHR-06-2017-0067