Understanding the dynamics of destination loyalty: a longitudinal investigation into the drivers of revisit intentions

Li, Chunxiao; Lv, Xingyang; Scott, McCabe

Abstract

Despite much previous research, gaps remain in our understanding of why satisfied tourists with positive destination images do not revisit favored destinations. Recent research proposes sensory impressions as a complement determinants of revisit intentions. This study initially compares how the influences of the two drivers on tourist behavior loyalty change over time, especially after the trip. Through a combination of a longitudinal field experiment and a survey, the studies found a natural decline in willingness to revisit over time being largely associated with fast fade out of sensory impressions. Furthermore, we examined the effects on tourists with differing levels of experience, finding that for tourists who have visited several times, only sensory impressions play a significant role in willingness to revisit. Implications for tourism and hospitality industry recovery after COVID-19 outbreak are outlined.

Citation

Li, C., Lv, X., & Scott, M. (2021). Understanding the dynamics of destination loyalty: a longitudinal investigation into the drivers of revisit intentions. Current Issues in Tourism, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2021.2012433

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 24, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Dec 12, 2021
• Publication Date: Dec 12, 2021
• Deposit Date: Jan 10, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 13, 2023
• Journal: Current Issues in Tourism
• Print ISSN: 1368-3500
• Electronic ISSN: 1747-7603
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 1-18
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2021.2012433
• Keywords: Tourism destination loyalty; Sensory impressions; Destination image; Dynamic perspective
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/7220615
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13683500.2021.2012433
• Additional Information: Peer Review Statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope.; Aim & Scope: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=rcit20; Received: 2021-09-02; Accepted: 2021-11-24; Published: 2021-12-12