Authenticity and Quality of Industrial Heritage as the Drivers of Tourists’ Loyalty and Environmentally Responsible Behavior

Abstract

In the post-industrial epoch, numerous industrial wastelands are found worldwide. Industrial heritage—a testament to urban progress and an emblem of urban civilization—is at risk during urban development and the transformation of aging cities. Consequently, the preservation and enhancement of urban heritage resources are crucial. Concerning the tourism development of industrial heritage, various challenges arise. This study, using Nanjing Quarry Park as a case study, employs the S-O-R theory to organize the literature related to authentic experience, experience quality, tourist satisfaction, environmentally responsible behavior, and destination loyalty. Additionally, questionnaire surveys and field research are conducted. The data gathered from the survey on tourists’ authentic experiences are analyzed, forming a research model for responsible environmental behavior in industrial heritage attractions. The findings indicate that authentic experience and experience quality positively impact tourist satisfaction, environmentally responsible behavior, and destination loyalty. The system modeling and evaluation of the experience quality dimension for industrial heritage tourism sites fill a gap in the development of industrial heritage tourism. This study contributes to the utilization of industrial heritage sites for tourism development, which can bring about economic growth and cultural revitalization. Tourist satisfaction mediates the relationship between experience quality, environmentally responsible behavior, and destination loyalty. In conclusion, this research offers valuable theoretical backing and a practical foundation for the development of industrial heritage tourism.