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…