The effect of resident-tourist interaction quality on destination image and loyalty
Article
Stylidis, D., Woosnam, K. and Tasci, A. 2022. The effect of resident-tourist interaction quality on destination image and loyalty. Journal of Sustainable Tourism. 30 (6), pp. 1219-1239. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2021.1918133
Type | Article |
---|---|
Title | The effect of resident-tourist interaction quality on destination image and loyalty |
Authors | Stylidis, D., Woosnam, K. and Tasci, A. |
Abstract | Despite the widely recognized core position of the local community within tourism, a paucity of research has considered how the quality of interaction between residents and tourists shapes visitors’ image formulation, overall satisfaction, and destination loyalty. Building on the ‘zone of proximal development’ theory and the concept of ‘the more knowledgeable other,’ this study expands recent research on interaction quality by showcasing the vital role it plays as a model antecedent to the destination image-satisfaction-loyalty framework. Data from two studies (n1 = 353, n2 = 397) conducted in Greece in 2019, indicate that interaction quality positively affects image, which in turn shapes satisfaction and loyalty, predicting 68% (study 1) and 57% (study 2) of the variance in loyalty. The findings shed light on the process by which visitors develop their knowledge of and feelings towards destinations via interactions with locals. The study proposes the design of activities with locals whereby quality interactions are reinforced. When residents engage as information providers, then tourists are more likely to gain better insights into the place and develop bonds with locals. Such engagement serves as a positive feedback loop where visitors develop a greater appreciation of the destination, contributing to sustainable forms of development. |
Keywords | Interaction quality; cognitive image; affective image; satisfaction; "zone of proximal development"; "more knowledgeable other" |
Publisher | Taylor and Francis |
Journal | Journal of Sustainable Tourism |
ISSN | 0966-9582 |
Electronic | 1747-7646 |
Publication dates | |
Online | 03 May 2021 |
03 Jun 2022 | |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 05 May 2021 |
Accepted | 12 Apr 2021 |
Submitted | 30 Nov 2020 |
Output status | Published |
Accepted author manuscript | File Access Level Open |
Copyright Statement | This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Sustainable Tourism on 03/05/2021, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/09669582.2021.1918133 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2021.1918133 |
Web of Science identifier | WOS:000646457300001 |
Language | English |
https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/895q3
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