Abstract:

The aim of this study is (1) to measure four dimensions of the experience economy at distinct destinations hosting different types of tourists, (2) to examine the impact of the perceived experience on satisfaction, and (3) the effect of satisfaction on intentions to revisit and recommend. For this purpose, the data were gathered through a survey from 443 tourists visiting Alaçatı, Alanya, Belek, and Kızkalesi in Turkey. The hypothesized relations were examined with structural equation modelling (SEM). According to the outcomes of the analysis; significant and positive influences of education, entertainment and escapism on satisfaction have been determined. The esthetic experience perceived by tourists does not affect satisfaction significantly. Besides, tourists’ satisfaction has a positive impact on both intentions to revisit and recommend. Lastly, visitors’ revisit intention was found to significantly influence their recommendation intention. The outputs obtained from the study offers valuable empirical evidence about the experience economy and behavioural intentions to both the tourism industry and tourism researchers. This study also adopts the 4E experience economy model to four different destinations for the first time in tourism literature.

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