Mediating effect of tourists’ emotional involvement on the relationship between destination attributes and tourist satisfaction

Purpose: The study aims to examine the relationship between destination attributes and tourist satisfaction as well as the extent to which emotional involvement mediates between destination attributes and tourist satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from a sample of 600 domestic tourists by using a purposive sampling technique where 382 samples were useable, and the response rate was 63.67%. The structural equation modeling (SmartPLS 3.0.) was used to test the hypothesized relationship among variables. Findings: Among the 16 hypothesized paths, 13 were supported. Destination attributes (accommodation, attraction, food and beverages and transportation) except safety significantly influence tourist satisfaction; herein accommodation has the greatest effect on tourist satisfaction. Similarly, destination attributes except safety significantly influence tourists’ emotional involvement. This study also reveals that tourists’ emotional involvement partially mediates in the link between destination attributes except for safety and customer satisfaction. Research limitations/implications: The results of the study will assist the hospitality researchers and managers to understand the roles of destination attributes and emotional involvement on tourist satisfaction in the tourism industry. Originality/value: The study is the first to explore the mediating relationship in the link between destination attributes and tourist satisfaction in the tourism industry.