ABSTRACT This study examines the critical role of domestic tourism as an alternative market to international tourism post-pandemic. It analyses travel motivations alongside perceived risks and safety to assess their impact on trip fulfilment and revisiting intentions. Data from 846 respondents in China, South Korea, and Thailand revealed patterns. Integrated Generalized Structured Component Analysis (IGSCA) and Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) were used to discern the relationships influencing the desire to return. Findings highlight ‘arousal’ and ‘social sharing’ as essential for low-level fulfilment, while ‘self-actualization’ and ‘social sharing’ are key for high-level fulfilment. ‘Perceived safety’ significantly affects both levels of fulfilment, which in turn affect the intention to revisit. FsQCA identified specific necessary conditions and configurations predicting the two types of fulfilment and the intention to revisit domestic destinations.