Destination fascination: Conceptualization and scale development

Abstract

This study developed a Destination Fascination Scale (DFS) based on the attention restoration theory. Through the multi-study method, this study performed a literature review to sort five DFS dimensions. Then, 13 in-depth interviews are conducted, resulting in 209 statements, which later be narrowed down into 30 items under six dimensions. In study two, 470 survey responses from national parks are collected. Twenty-five items in six dimensions emerged in exploratory factor analysis. In study three, 473 survey responses from national forest recreation areas are collected for testing confirmatory factor analysis, resulting the final 24-item DFS. Tests of criterion-related validity showed that the six dimensions were significantly related to destination loyalty. In study four, cross-validation analysis was performed using 240 survey responses from theme parks to test model stability and model extension of the developed six-dimensional 24-item DFS.