The Effect of Resident-tourist Interaction Quality on Destination Image and Loyalty
Keywords
"more knowledgeable other"; "zone of proximal development"; affective image; cognitive image; Interaction quality; satisfaction
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.
Publication Date
6-2022
Original Citation
Stylidis, D., Woosnam, K. M., & Tasci, A. D. A. (2022). The effect of resident-tourist interaction quality on destination image and loyalty. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 30(6), 1219–1239. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2021.1918133
Document Type
Paper
Language
English
Source Title
Journal of Sustainable Tourism
Volume
30
Issue
6
Copyright Status
Unknown
College
Rosen College of Hospitality Management
Location
Rosen College of Hospitality Management
STARS Citation
Stylidis, Dimitrios; Woosnam, Kyle Maurice; and Tasci, Asli D. A., "The Effect of Resident-tourist Interaction Quality on Destination Image and Loyalty" (2022). Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 1114.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/ucfscholar/1114