EVALUATING HOSPITALITY ECOSYSTEM COMPONENTS IN A REGIONAL TOURISM DESTINATION: EFFECTS ON TOURIST SATISFACTION AND RECOMMENDATION INTENTIONS
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Abstract
Tourism destinations are becoming more and more like interconnected hospitality ecosystems, where visitor experiences are created through the interaction of information services, infrastructure, hospitality services and leisure opportunities. Understanding how these components influence tourist satisfaction and intention to recommend a destination is important for enhancing its competitiveness. This study therefore aims to evaluate the influence of these components on tourist satisfaction and recommendation intentions in a regional tourism destination in western Lithuania. A quantitative research design was employed, involving a structured questionnaire survey. The final sample consisted of 455 visitors. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, a reliability analysis, a Pearson correlation analysis, multiple linear regression and an ordinal logistic regression. The findings revealed generally positive evaluations of the dimensions of the hospitality ecosystem. Information quality received the highest evaluation (M = 3.79), while infrastructure quality received the lowest score (M = 2.88). Reliability analysis revealed excellent internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.934 to 0.967. Regression analysis revealed that infrastructure quality (β = 0.235, p = 0.036) and leisure service quality (β = 0.164, p = 0.020) had a significant impact on tourist satisfaction. In contrast, information quality, food service quality and accommodation quality were not found to have a significant effect. The model explained 28.1% of the variance in tourist satisfaction. Satisfied tourists were significantly more likely to recommend the destination (β = 1.817, p < 0.001). These results emphasise the importance of infrastructure and leisure services in enhancing visitor experiences and boosting a destination's competitiveness.
How to Cite
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hospitality ecosystem, tourist satisfaction, recommendation intentions, destination competitiveness, tourism destination, Western Lithuania
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