Antecedents of tourist loyalty to tourist destinations: a mediated-moderation study. Issue 2 (4th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bhat, Suhail Ahmad; Darzi, Mushtaq Ahmad
• Is Part Of: International journal of tourism cities. Volume 4:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 261
• Page End: 278
• Publication Date: 2018-06-04
• Subjects: Tourism -- Satisfaction -- Destination image -- Tourist loyalty -- Affective image -- Cognitive image; Tourism -- Periodicals; Cities and towns -- Periodicals; Tourism and city planning -- Periodicals; 338.4791091732
• DOI: 10.1108/IJTC-12-2017-0079
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-5607

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of destination image on satisfaction level and tourist loyalty toward the various tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir. The study, also, attempted to investigate the mediating role of satisfaction and moderating role of gender, past experience and tourist origin in the proposed model. Design/methodology/approach: The study was carried out in the state of Jammu and Kashmir spread over three divisions, i.e., Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The study employs questionnaire survey method for data collection. Purposive sampling was adopted for data collection and data analysis was carried out through exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling techniques. Findings: The study has found that cognitive image, affective image and unique image are the significant dimensions of destination image, which in turn has a positive effect on satisfaction level and tourist loyalty. It was also found that destination image has both direct and indirect effect on tourist loyalty. Research limitations/implications: The state of Jammu and Kashmir has been badly affected by ongoing political instability, which has caused huge losses to the tourism industry. The results of the study will be helpful to policymakers in designing various strategies and programs for maximizing tourist inflow and growth of tourism industry in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Practical implications: Further, finding of the study will assist destination managers in understanding consumer behavior for promoting destination shopping activities. This will enhance tourist expenditure at destinations and thus provides direct benefits to the local economy. Originality/value: Very little research has been conducted on moderating role of gender, past experience and tourist origin in the destination image and its association with satisfaction and tourist loyalty in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Managing destination image and quality of tourist experience are critical to induce favorable expectations of destination in the tourist's mind.