How destination attributes affect mountain bikers’ behavioral intention: The mediating roles of enduring involvement and place attachment

Abstract

This research investigated the effects of destination attributes, enduring involvement, place attachment, and satisfaction on mountain bikers’ behavioral intentions by incorporating the Mehrabian-Russell model. A survey approach was employed to test this model. Data was collected from 682 mountain bikers in the Taiwan Bike Association and Taiwan Cyclist Federation from March 2022 to July 2022. This was analyzed using structural equation modeling. Our results indicate that the destination attributes of tourism attraction and accessibility and amenities and complementary services affect enduring involvement both positively and negatively. While tourism attraction and accessibility positively affect place attachment and satisfaction, amenities and complementary services positively affect place attachment but not satisfaction. Moreover, enduring involvement, place attachment, and satisfaction positively affect behavioral intentions. Enduring involvement, place attachment, and satisfaction had mediating effects on the relationship between tourism attraction and accessibility and behavioral intentions. Enduring involvement also played a mediating role in the relationship between amenities and complementary services and behavioral intentions. We discuss both the theoretical and managerial implications of these findings. Management implicationsThe findings of the current study have the following management implications.•Excellent natural resources and accessibility are essential for positive assessments of cycling routes.•Tourism attraction and accessibility is a strong predictor of enduring involvement, place attachment, and satisfaction.•Professional trail building and ongoing maintenance can mitigate adverse environmental impacts and improve the mountain biking experience.•An oversupply of amenities and services can diminish mountain bikers' sense of accomplishment and the pleasure and relaxation of the activity.