Antecedents of Tourists’ Loyalty to Mauritius

TLDR

The study tests a theoretical model linking destination image, place attachment, personal involvement, and visitor satisfaction to loyalty among tourists. Data were collected from 705 international hotel guests in Mauritius, and confirmatory factor analysis established construct validity before testing the structural model. Results show that destination image, personal involvement, and place attachment drive loyalty through satisfaction, highlighting implications for tourism theory and practice.

Abstract

This article evaluates a theoretical model based on hypothesized relationships among four constructs, namely, destination image, place attachment, personal involvement, and visitors’ satisfaction as antecedents of loyalty. These relationships are explored for a sample of 705 international visitors staying in hotels on the island of Mauritius. Confirmatory factor analysis is used initially to ascertain the dimensions of the various constructs but also to assess the convergent and discriminant validity of the measurement items. The structural model indicates that destination image, personal involvement and place attachment are antecedents of visitors’ loyalty but this relationship is mediated by satisfaction levels. The findings offer important implications for tourism theory and practice.