Revisiting the relationship between destination quality and satisfaction: evidence from developing economy

Abstract

ABSTRACT The current study provides a deeper understanding of how tourist satisfaction is shaped in a developing economy, specifically how measures of destination quality impact visitors’ satisfaction. A total of 236 valid surveys were utilized. The findings suggest that pricing, community characteristics and safety have both a direct and indirect impact on satisfaction, mediated by destination expectations. Destination accessibility is fully mediated by expectations, given that no direct relationship exists between accessibility and satisfaction. This study contributes to the tourist satisfaction theory by revisiting the role of expectations. For practical implications, the findings allude to the importance of monitoring and managing tourist expectations to become competitive.