Travel Satisfaction Research Articles

Dynamic Scoring and Costing in the Orienteering Problem: A Model Based on Length of Stay

In today's travel and tourism landscape, the role of travel agents has become increasingly complex as they are challenged to explore a variety of potential destinations. More specifically, the complicated task of planning itineraries that truly satisfy travellers puts travel agents in a crucial role, increasing the complexity of itinerary planning. This complexity is compounded not only by the multitude of possible destinations, but also by non-negotiable constraints such as cost and time. To address these challenges, the orienteering problem represents a fundamental mathematical model that provides a theoretical basis for understanding the nuanced difficulties faced by travel agents.This study ventures into a novel iteration of the orienteering problem, with a particular focus on optimizing travel satisfaction based on length of stay. A notable aspect of this variant is the inclusion of time and cost constraints in the route determination process. Using an integer programming model, the satisfaction scores for each location are described by a diminishing returns function linked to length of stay, while the costs associated with each location follow a linear function influenced by the same parameter. The application of this model is in a hypothetical scenario with 32 nodes, with the calculations facilitated by the FilMINT solver. A sensitivity analysis examines time and cost constraints and shows their decisive influence on the optimization of travel routes. The results of this research contribute significantly to a strategic framework and provide travel agencies with the opportunity to create itineraries that not only meet practical limits but, more importantly, increase traveller satisfaction.

The role of travel satisfaction and attitudes toward travel modes in the prospect of adoption of urban air taxis: Evidence from a stated preference survey in Tehran

Urban air mobility (UAM) is a new mode of transportation which has the potential to curb congestion in urban areas by providing a fast alternative that bypasses surface-level traffic by employing low altitude urban airspace. However, the successful adoption of this innovation among other modes of transportation remains a critical challenge, as public acceptance plays a pivotal role in the uptake of any emerging technology or service. To transcend traditional ground transportation, it is imperative to investigate the factors that drive a transition from current modes, particularly private cars, to the utilization of urban air taxis (UATs). While prior research has explored different aspects of UAM adoption, there is a notable dearth of studies examining the influence of travel satisfaction and attitudes towards travel modes on the preference for UAM. Notably, existing transportation literature has established that both satisfaction and attitudes significantly shape travel behavior. To achieve this, a stated preference survey was conducted in the Tehran metropolitan area, and a multinomial logit model incorporating latent variables was developed to assess the influence of socio-demographic and psychological factors on UAM adoption in hypothetical scenarios with predetermined travel times and costs. The findings highlight the pivotal role of service cost and affordability, with individuals of higher incomes exhibiting a significant inclination toward UAT adoption. The adoption of UAT is significantly higher when the cost is comparable to the existing modes. Moreover, satisfaction components, specifically enjoyment and time-saving benefits, exert a significant influence on UAT preference. Unfavorable perceptions towards private cars and ride-hailing services positively contribute to the likelihood of preferring UAT, with a greater impact observed for negative attitudes towards ride-hailing. The study explicitly underscores the influence of travel satisfaction and attitudes towards conventional modes of transportation on the adoption of innovative alternatives such as air taxis within the context of mode choice scenarios.

Active mobility and mental health: A scoping review towards a healthier world.

Research has proven that engaging in active mobility (AM), namely walking and cycling for transportation, significantly enhances physical activity levels, leading to better physical health. It is still unclear whether AM could also offer any mental health benefits. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current knowledge on the relationship between AM and mental health, given its crucial role in public health. The authors searched online databases to isolate primary studies written in English involving an adult sample (16 or over). AM was the exposure factor. Many mental health elements were included as outcomes (depression, anxiety, self-esteem, self-efficacy, stress, psychological and subjective well-being, resilience, loneliness and social support, quality of life, mood, life satisfaction and sleep). The results were organised in a narrative summary per each outcome selected, graphical syntheses and an overview of gaps to be further examined. The authors identified a total of 55 papers as relevant. The results show inconsistency in study designs, definition and operationalisation of the variables, approach and methodologies used. A cross-sectional design was the dominant choice, primarily examining data from national public health surveys. Nonetheless, there has been improvement in outcomes of interests, initially mainly the quality of life and affect. Lately, authors have focused on a broader range of mental health-related factors (such as travel satisfaction). The experimental studies showed promising mental health improvements in those who used active modes more than those who used motorised vehicles. It creates a rationale for further research towards implementing a unified theoretical and methodological framework to study the link between AM and mental health. The ultimate goal is to generate solid conclusions that could support building societies and cities through public health promotion and sustainable strategies, like walking and cycling as a means of transport.

How does travel satisfaction affect preference for shared electric vehicles? An empirical study using large-scale monitoring data and online text mining

Shared electric vehicles (SEVs) are an emerging mode of transportation that offers advantages in environmental protection. It is unclear what role travel satisfaction plays in operations. User's feedback is an important factor to the future development of SEVs. How to accurately collect user's feedback and predictions is the focus of attention. In this paper, we innovatively used sentiment analysis to construct the travel satisfaction index based on text data from the largest social network platforms in China. In addition, we used a vector autoregression model to analyse and confirm that users' trip satisfaction is an important factor influencing subsequent use of SEVs. A large-scale data set of travel records combined with point of interest information of SEVs that covered 1.64 million records of 3,100 vehicles. The results showed that low rates of satisfaction of SEVs are attributed to the fault rate of vehicles and poor services. Arranging SEV services around restaurants and commercial areas will result in higher user's satisfaction. Moreover, an increase in user's satisfaction will increase the usage frequency of SEVs in future trips. An increase in satisfaction will reduce rental times of returning users in the short term, but it has no effect on travel distance.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Future Immigration and Border Control

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into immigration and border control systems represents a pivotal advancement in ensuring the security and efficiency of global travel. This research paper investigate the transformative impact of AI technologies on the future of immigration and border control, addressing their profound implications for security, operational efficiency, and the overall traveler experience. Methods employed in this exploration encompass comprehensive data collection and analysis, leveraging diverse sources ranging from immigration records to biometric data. AI-driven tools, such as facial recognition powered by deep learning algorithms, have been implemented and rigorously tested at key border crossings and airports. Additionally, predictive analytics, real-time threat detection systems, and automated chatbots have been deployed to streamline processes, enhance security, and offer travelers a more seamless experience. The results and discussions within this paper reveal the substantial enhancements achieved through AI adoption, including heightened security measures, improved operational efficiency, and the importance of addressing privacy and ethical considerations. Furthermore, international collaboration facilitated by AI technologies is emphasized as a critical component of bolstering global security efforts. As AI continues to evolve, its role in immigration and border control will remain instrumental in shaping the future of these critical domains. We have also identified various challenges and remedies to overcome the challenges. While challenges related to privacy and ethics must be thoughtfully navigated, the benefits in terms of security and traveler satisfaction underscore the importance of responsible AI integration in immigration and border control systems.

Proactive Coordination of Traffic Guidance and Signal Control for a Divergent Network

In the realm of transportation system optimization, enhancing overall performance through the proactive coordination of traffic guidance and signal control in a divergent network can tackle the challenges posed by traffic congestion and inefficiency. Thus, we propose an innovative approach to first allow the information on variable message signs (VMS) that deviates from estimated travel times. This proactive approach guides drivers towards optimal routes from a system-wide perspective, such as minimizing vehicle hours traveled. The deviation is constrained both by the lower bound of drivers’ long-term compliance rate and the upper bound of the favored traffic signal operation. The proposed approach coordinates the traffic guidance system with the signal control system. The traffic signal control system sets the upper limit for information deviation in the traffic guidance system, while the traffic guidance system provides demand predictions for the traffic signal control system. Overall, the objective function of the approach is the network-level performance of all users. We gauge traveler satisfaction as a measure of system credibility, using both a route choice module and a satisfaction degree module established through stated preference surveys. Numerical results demonstrate that proactive-coordinated (PC) strategies outperform reactive-coordinated (RC), proactive-independent (PI), and reactive-independent (RI) strategies by improving the system performance, meanwhile keeping the system trustworthy. Under the normal traffic scenario, the PC strategy reduces total travel time by approximately 10%. Driver satisfaction with the PC strategy increases from a baseline of 76% to 95%. Moreover, in scenarios with sudden changes in either traffic demand or supply, e.g., accidents or large events, the proactive guidance strategy is more flexible and can potentially improve more from the system perspective.

Reference points in travel satisfaction: Travel preference, travel experience, or peers’ travel?

Studies on travel satisfaction have proliferated recently. However, research efforts to conceptualize travel satisfaction are relatively scarce. One important issue is what reference points people use to evaluate travel satisfaction. While previous research considered travel preference as a reference point, people may compare travels to other reference points, such as travel experience and peers’ travel. This paper aims to clarify the role of preferred, past, and peers’ travels in travel satisfaction. Multi-group structural equation models are adopted to capture the heterogeneity of such effect across commuters by different transport modes. Household travel survey data collected in 2018 in Shanghai, China are used for modeling. We found that all three reference points are at play in evaluating travel satisfaction. Preferred and peers’ travels matter more for commuters using motorized transport modes than those using non-motorized modes; travel experience matters less for commuters by public transport than those by other transport modes.

ASSESSING THE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL, FEASIBILITY AND VISITOR ASSESSMENT IN THE SIPINSUR GEOSITE NATURAL TOURISM AREA, TOBA CALDERA GLOBAL GEOPARK, INDONESIA

This study aims to examine the potential of tourism objects, development feasibility, visitor assessment of aspects of travel satisfaction, services and conditions of infrastructure, as well as visitor participation in conservation and the environment. This research was conducted using the analysis method of Analysis of Operation Areas of Natural Tourism Objects and Attractions (AOA-NTOA) and descriptive analysis using survey and interview methods. The research instrument used is the Guidelines for AOA-NTOA issued by the Director General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation, Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia. The results showed that Sipinsur Nature Tourism has three potentials, namely; 1) The beauty of natural scenery with a cool mountain microclimate, the diversity of various types of aesthetic flora and fauna, namely various species of aesthetic trees such as Sumatran pine (Pinus merkusii) and red shoot tree (Syzygium oleana), various palms, and flower plants; 2) Various exotic fauna such as wild cats and eagles; 3) Camping ground area as a center for adventure tourism activities. The results of the development feasibility analysis were declared feasible to be developed into a more developed tourist attraction with an average feasibility index of 73.98%. Visitors' assessment of the aspect of travel satisfaction shows that the majority visit more than 1 time and disseminate information to other parties. The majority of visitors (80.1%) get information about Sipinsur’s natural attractions from friends/relatives. The majority of visits were carried out in groups (96%), namely with groups of friends/professionals 56.56% and family (42.42%). As many as 78.78% of visitors make Sipinsur the main destination, with the most visit duration between 2-4 hours (34.34%). In the aspect of visitor assessment of the service and condition of facilities and infrastructure of tourism objects, the majority of visitors rate like/interested/good, some rate very like/very good/very interested, and only a few rate less good / less attractive on the overall assessment indicators. For the aspect of visitor participation in conservation and the environment, it shows that the majority of visitors reject various irresponsible behaviors and actions and are willing to participate in conservation efforts and preservation of the surrounding environment. The development feasibility analysis was declared feasible to be developed into a more developed tourist attraction. Assessment of tourism satisfaction aspects shows that the majority visit more than once and disseminate information to other parties. The majority of visitors like and have a good impression of aspects of service, facilities, and infrastructure. For the aspect of participation in conservation and the environment, it shows that the majority of visitors are aware of the responsibility and willing to participate.

Barriers to Transportation in Rural Communities: Perspective of Older Adult Users.

Rural older adults who require transportation assistance face more challenges than their urban counterparts. By focusing on a historically underserved population, this study examined specific barriers from the perspective of older adult users and explored potential policy and technology solutions. A cross-sectional study was conducted throughout rural Wisconsin to identify specific barriers to transportation, uncover personal factors associated with identified barriers, and measure causal relationships between identified barriers and travel satisfaction. A total of 580 older adult respondents from 92% of rural counties across the state provided clear answers regarding specific transportation barriers. Of these, 67.6% identified at least one barrier, but only 12.8% had stopped using transportation due to any identified barriers. Top barriers to accessing transportation included service hours, service areas, trip destinations, getting in/out of service vehicles, service reservations, and operational scheduling. Although specific barriers were associated with different sociodemographics, trip purposes, and frequency of transportation usage, logistic regression findings suggested that concerns about service hours, service areas, and service reservation were the only 3 major determinants driving rural older adults' attitudes toward transportation usage. Rural older adults relying on transportation assistance have demonstrated diverse needs and constraints. Rural transportation could provide better support by extending service availability in terms of hours, areas, and destinations, improving door-to-door accessibility by providing "arm through arm" services, enhancing service responsiveness and reliability via age-friendly technology solutions, and implementing a sliding scale subsidy program that takes income level and trip frequency into account.

Green space exposure at subway stations, transportation mode choice and travel satisfaction

Green space exposure at subway stations, transportation mode choice and travel satisfaction

어촌관광 동기가 목적지 이미지와 여행객 만족 및 충성도에 미치는 영향

Purpose Fishing village tourism is a form of tourism that has been newly started according to the economic revitalization of underdeveloped fishing villages, the increase in leisure time and income of tourists, and the diversification of tourism needs. In order to maintain sustainable fishing village tourism, it is necessary to identify what motives tourists participate in fishing village tourism and to empirically study the effects of these motivation factors on destination image and tourist satisfaction and loyalty.
 Methods A survey was conducted on tourists who visited Daeyado, Yongshin, and Gagyeongju fishing villages located in Taean, which are representative tourist destinations in the west coast, and 176 questionnaires were used for empirical analysis.
 Results As a result of factor analysis, motivation for fishing village tourism was classified into five factors: nature appreciation, eating and purchasing marine products, family relations and rest, fishing village experience, and marine leisure sports experience, and destination image and traveler satisfaction and loyalty were each classified as a single dimension. As a result of the hypothesis verification, among the motives for fishing village tourism, factors such as family relations and rest, eating and purchasing marine products, nature appreciation, and marine leisure sports experience had a significant effect on the destination image, and fishing village experience, nature appreciation, and marine leisure sports experience factors had a significant effect on traveler satisfaction. It was verified that the destination image had a significant effect on traveler satisfaction and loyalty, and traveler satisfaction had a significant effect on loyalty.
 Conclusion In the end, it was studied that a good destination image can be planted according to the motive of fishing village tourism, and the loyalty of revisit, word of mouth, and recommendation can be increased by increasing the satisfaction of travelers.

Long Commutes, Work-Life Balance, and Well-Being: A Mixed-Methods Study of Hong Kong’s New-Town Residents

This study examines the cascading effects of long commutes on the work-life balance and subjective well-being of commuters from Hong Kong’s new towns. We collected questionnaire surveys and developed a structural equation model. Our results show that new-town commuters experienced lower levels of travel satisfaction, work-life balance, and subjective well-being. Meanwhile, our qualitative analysis of interview transcripts reveals that new-town residents endure longer commutes for various reasons but primarily to enjoy the better natural environment and living conditions available in suburban areas. However, the inadequate supply of public amenities and social and cultural venues in the suburbs can undermine well-being.

Choosing the Bicycle as a Mode of Transportation, the Influence of Infrastructure Perception, Travel Satisfaction and Pro-Environmental Attitude, the Case of Milan

The present study investigates how infrastructure perception, travel satisfaction and pro-environmental attitudes influence the motivations for choosing cycling as a mode of transport. The effects of demographic variables and mobility habits are also taken into account. Data are collected via a survey with cyclists living in Milan and the surrounding areas. The survey comprises a first set of items to explore the cyclists’ transportation habits and three self-assessment questionnaires: The Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS)—A Short Form, The Satisfaction with Travel Scale (STS) and the Environmental Attitudes Inventory (EAI). A series of different multiple linear regression analyses and mediation models are conducted. The findings suggest that the frequency of cycling may be explained based on several factors. Males report cycling more frequently, younger adults report lower frequencies of bicycle use and the urban setting is more significantly related to bicycle use. Moreover, the results highlight the significant positive role of the perception of neighbourhoods (especially those with an easy access to non-residential areas) and of pro-environmental attitudes (especially of personal conservation behaviour) in promoting the frequency of bicycling, with the mediation effect of the variable ‘purpose of bicycle use’ (for leisure or to reach a destination) as well. Based on these findings, policymakers should focus on tailored strategies to promote cycling in different users.

Driving ecotourism loyalty through destination image, satisfaction and motivation

Tourism, especially ecotourism, is a sector that plays a role in contributing to the Indonesian economy, especially finance and foreign exchange. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has affected this sector. Efforts to revive the ecotourism sector continue to be encouraged after the Pandemic. Padang Savana is one of the Ecotourism Sites that was affected by Covid-19 and was closed. Efforts continue to be made so that these ecotourism sites can rise and return to the interest of visitors. Efforts are being made to increase visiting loyalty through enhancing destination image, tourist motivation, travel satisfaction, and experience. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of destination image, tourist motivation, travel satisfaction, and experience on ecotourism destination loyalty. This research approach uses a quantitative approach. The population and sample of this study were visitors to the Padang Savana ecotourism. Purposive Sampling was used as a sampling technique. Sources of data were obtained through surveys, and the results were processed using SEM PLS. The results of the study show that destination image and motivation have a positive and significant impact on travel satisfaction. Travel motivation and satisfaction affect destination loyalty. The results of this study are expected to be useful for ecotourism management to increase visitor loyalty through trip motivation and satisfaction. For future research research can be re-tested with different ecotourism sites and test hypotheses that have not been supported.

The impacts of COVID-19 and social distancing on transport mode usage and travel satisfaction: Evidence from a transit-oriented city

This paper examines the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on travel behaviour and satisfaction in Hong Kong, a transit-oriented city. We analysed data from an online questionnaire survey (N = 1,119) to examine the factors that affect mode usage behaviour and travel satisfaction and considered several pandemic-related variables, including the perceived effectiveness of social distancing policies, the frequency of online activities and the perceived usefulness of technology. The results of our structural equation models revealed that (1) the modal shift from public transport to personalised transport was minimal in our case study, (2) an efficient public transport system improved passengers’ travel satisfaction, with reduced crowdedness enhancing this effect, and (3) the perceived effectiveness of social distancing influenced travel satisfaction and mode usage frequency but not the decision to shift to virtual ways of conducting activities. Our findings provide insight into the importance of a resilient transit system to maintain the population’s confidence in public transport and ensure travel satisfaction during the pandemic.

Work Values, Travel Satisfaction, and Organizational Injustice as Antecedents of Corporate Travel Policy Compliance

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, business travel spending is expected to reach two-thirds of the pre-pandemic levels in 2022. Therefore, travel policies remain essential for reducing travel expenses and managing traveller behaviour. A significant challenge for a company is to ensure compliance with its travel policy. This study uses the equity theory and person-organization fit model to understand non-compliance with travel policies. Two hundred and five responses were collected from corporate travellers employed in South Africa via an online survey. The results revealed that work values and perceived organizational injustice could influence corporate travel policy compliance. This study is the first to investigate the influence of work values, travel satisfaction, and organizational injustice on unethical decision-making and behaviour in a corporate travel context.

Effect of Ground Handling Services on Arrival Baggage for Passenger Satisfaction

Numerous airline firms are fighting to raise the standard and reputation of their operations in response to the rising demand for air transportation services. The pre-flight and post-flight stages of an aircraft's operation require assistance from ground handling agents, affecting customer satisfaction with air transportation services. Passenger satisfaction is the expression of enjoyment or satisfied with the assistance received from the staff. This study's goal is to ascertain how much ground handling services offered by airlines during arrivals at General Ahmad Yani Semarang International Airport have an impact on passengers. This quantitative study aims to test the predetermined objectives on travelers from five airlines who employ PT. Kokapura's ground handling services. This study employed observation, questionnaires, and literature reviews as data collection methods. T-tests and the coefficient of determination are used to analyze the data (R2). With a calculated t-value of 21.182 > t-table 1.985, the study's findings demonstrate that the arrival baggage service offered by PT. Kokapura's ground handling significantly effects traveler satisfaction at General Ahmad Yani Semarang International Airport. The remaining 17.9 percent is influenced by other factors, with a correlation coefficient of 0.821 and an 82.1 percent coefficient of determination.

Sustainable transport modes, travel satisfaction, and emotions: Evidence from car-dependent compact cities

This study investigates how the use of sustainable transport modes relates to travel satisfaction (general evaluation of travel) and travel affect (emotions during travel) in car-dependent compact cities. Thereby, the study provides evidence on sustainable mobility and travel-related well-being in a context of compact urban form but inadequate provisions for public transport, walking, and cycling. A mixed-methods approach was applied comprising quantitative and qualitative analyses of data from the two major cities of Greece, i.e., Athens and Thessaloniki. Travel satisfaction and travel affect are found to be highest for those who walk for commuting, independently of travel time and other factors. Conversely, travel satisfaction and travel affect are lowest for public transport users, largely due to very long travel times but also poor public transport services in one of the two cities. Results indicate that the experience of traveling by public transport, car, and motorcycle within urban areas greatly depends on transport provision and policies. Overall, findings support the idea that to shift to pleasant, satisfying, and sustainable mobility in car-dependent compact cities, car restrictions should be accompanied by massive improvements in public transport, high-quality walking and cycling infrastructure, and an integrated coordination of different modes.

국가문화 차이에 따른 방한 관광객 소비지출 분석

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the tourism behavioral characteristics, spending patterns, and determinants of consumption expenditure for Southeast Asian tourists visiting Korea based on national cultural differences. The research methods to achieve the objectives of this study are as follows: First, using Hofstede’s six cultural dimensions scores for Korea and major Southeast Asian countries, the KSI index will be calculated to measure the cultural distance between them. Based on the KSI index, the two countries with the closest and farthest cultural distances will be selected as the target countries for the study. Secondly, a comparative analysis will be conducted on the tourism behavioral characteristics, spending patterns, and determinants of consumption expenditure for tourists from the two selected countries visiting Korea.
 Research design, data, and methodology: The data for the study sample was obtained from the original 2019 survey data on inbound tourists provided by the Korea Tourism Data Lab (2023). and Data from a sample of 522 Indonesian and 622 Filipino tourists who visited Korea were used for the analysis. First, we conducted frequency analysis to examine demographic characteristics, tourism behavior, and spending patterns. and the estimation analysis method used to identify the determinants of tourist consumption expenditure is Tobit model analysis method.
 Results: This research results are as follows. First, It was found that there are differences in expenditure characteristics and determinants of consumption expenditure between Indonesian and Filipino tourists visiting Korea. Second, according to the estimation results, In the case of Indonesian tourists, it was estimated that individual travel and travel satisfaction have a positive impact on consumption expenditure. and it was found that Filipino tourists spend more on group tours than on individual tours. Third, both countries showed that the proportion of cultural and entertainment expenses was the lowest among the consumption expenditure items.
 Implications: The results of this study showed that there were differences in the consumption characteristics of tourists and the determinants of tourism expenditure depending on the cultural differences between the two countries. the tourism marketing strategy and policy development should reflect the cultural characteristics of the country visited, and it is necessary to consider the national cultural dimensions in formulating strategies.

Lifting urban mobility for the poor: Cable-cars, travel satisfaction and subjective well-being

Studies on travel and life satisfaction in vulnerable Global South contexts are scarce. This paper contributes by addressing how travel satisfaction, neighborhood satisfaction, and social capital relate to life satisfaction among a low-income community in Bogotá (Colombia) as a case study. Building on the available literature, we propose six hypotheses to understand such relationships before and after a cable car implementation, considering control and treatment groups. We defined seven latent variables and three objective indicators. We tested the hypotheses using a multiple-cause multiple-indicator modeling approach, which allowed us to identify how the comprehensive cable car intervention impacts perceptions and life satisfaction. Results showed that the principal factors associated with life satisfaction were neighborhood satisfaction as well as leisure activity participation, while travel time and transport affordability had negative effects. Positive changes in satisfaction regarding the travel experience can trigger significant improvements in life satisfaction in low-income communities in Latin America.