Satisfaction and Its Relationship with Loyalty in Ecotourism: A Study in Costa Rica

  • Mauricio CARVACHE-FRANCO Universidad Espíritu Santo, Ecuador
  • Wilmer CARVACHE-FRANCO Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanísticas, Ecuador
  • Ana Gabriela VÍQUEZ-PANIAGUA Tecnológico de Costa Rica Escuela de Administración de Empresas, Costa Rica
  • Orly CARVACHE-FRANCO Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil Facultad de Especialidades Empresariales, Ecuador
  • Allan PEREZ-OROZCO Tecnológico de Costa Rica Escuela de Administración de Empresas, Costa Rica

Abstract

Within ecotourism, the service can be improved with proper planning, achieving greater satisfaction and return of tourists, benefiting the destination and the community with higher income and employment. The objectives of this study were a) to analyze the relationships between tourists’ general satisfaction and loyalty, and b) to analyze the influence that the service aspects exert on the satisfaction and return of tourists. The study was conducted in Costa Rica, a Central American country with great ecological wealth for ecotourism. Three hundred ten questionnaires were filled out in the Arenal National Park and the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge. Spearman's statistical method of correlation was used for data analysis. As main results, the aspects of the service had a significant and positive influence on the satisfaction and return intentions of tourists. The aspects that most influenced general satisfaction were accessibility and infrastructure, tranquility, gastronomic quality, and the human treatment received. While the aspects that most influenced the return intentions were the tourist information and signage, the gastronomic quality, the accessibility of the infrastructure, and the equipment and facilities of the restaurant. The findings will serve to develop sustainable plans in protected areas and to improve service in ecotourism.

References

[1] Alegre, J. and Cladera, M. 2006. Repeat visitation in mature sun and sand holiday destinations. Journal of Travel Research, 44(3): 288-297. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287505279005
[2] Anderson, E.W. and Sullivan, M.W. 1990. Customer satisfaction and retention across firms. in Zeithaml, V.A., Berry, L.L. and Parasuraman, A. (Eds), TIMS College of Marketing Special Interest Conference on Service Marketing, Nashville, TN, September.
[3] Baker, D. A. and Crompton, J. L. 2000. Quality, satisfaction and behavioral intentions. Annals of Tourism Research, 27(3): 785–804. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0160-7383(99)00108-5
[4] Balmford, A., et al. 2009. A global perspective on trends in nature-based tourism. PLoS Biology, 7(6): e1000144. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.1000144
[5] Beard, J. G. and Ragheb, M. G. 1980. Measuring leisure satisfaction. Journal of leisure Research, 12(1): 20-33. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.1980.11969416
[6] Bigne, J.E., Andreu, L. and Gnoth, J. 2005. The Theme Park experience: an analysis, of pleasure, arousal and satisfaction. Tourism Management, 26(6): 833–844. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2004.05.006
[7] Blamey, R. K. 2001. Principles of Ecotourism: In Weaver, D. B (ed.). The Encyclopedia of Ecotourism. CAB International. Wallingford. Oxon. UK.
[8] Borrie, W. T. and Birzell, R. M. 2001. Approaches to measuring quality of the wilderness experience. In Visitor use density and wilderness experience: Proceedings (pp. 29-38). RMRS-P-20.
[9] Buckley, R. 2009. Ecotourism: Principles and practices. Wallingford: CABI.
[10] Bushell, R. and Griffin, T. 2006. Monitoring visitor experiences in protected areas. Parks: The International Journal for Protected Areas Managers, 16(2): 25–33. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Janet_Cochrane/publication/311455109_A_typology_of_tourists_to_protected_areas/links/5847c37e08aeda696823a2f8/A-typology-of-tourists-to-protected-areas.pdf#page=27
[11] Butler, R. and Boyd, S. 2000. Tourism and national parks: Issues and implications. Chichester: Wiley (Eds.).
[12] Caneen, J. M. 2003. Cultural determinants of tourist intention to return. Tourism Analysis, 8(2): 237-242. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3727/108354203774076805
[13] Carvache-Franco, M., Segarra-Oña, M. and Carrascosa-López, C. 2019. Motivations Analysis In Ecotourism Through An Empirical Application: Segmentation, Characteristics and Motivations of The Consumer. GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites, 24(1): 60–73. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.24106-343
[14] Carvache-Franco, W., Carvache-Franco, M. and Hernández-Lara, A. B. 2020. From motivation to segmentation in coastal and marine destinations: a study from the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Current Issues in Tourism, 1-17. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2020.1811651
[15] Castellanos-Verdugo, M., Vega-Vázquez, M., Oviedo-García, M. Á. and Orgaz-Agüera, F. 2016. The relevance of psychological factors in the ecotourist experience satisfaction through ecotourist site perceived value. Journal of Cleaner Production, 124: 226-235. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.02.126
[16] Chen, C. and Tsai, D. 2007. How destination image and evaluative factors affect behavioral intentions? Tourism Management, 28(4): 1115–1122. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2006.07.007
[17] Chhetri, P., Arrowsmith, C. and Jackson, M. 2004. Determining hiking experiences in nature-based tourist destinations. Tourism Management, 25(1): 31–43. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(03)00057-8
[18] Chi, C.G. and Qu, H. 2008. Examining structural relationship of destination image, tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty: an integrated approach. Tourism Management, 29(4): 624-636. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/ 10.1016/j.tourman.2007.06.007
[19] Crilley, G., Weber, D. and Taplin, R. 2012. Predicting visitor satisfaction in parks: Comparing the value of personal benefit attainment and service levels in Kakadu National Park, Australia. Visitor Studies, 15(2): 217–237. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/10645578.2012.715038
[20] Crompton, J.L. and Love, L.L. 1995. The predictive value of alternative approaches to evaluating quality of a festival. Journal of Travel Research, 34(1): 11–24. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/004728759503400102
[21] Cronin Jr, J. J. and Taylor, S. A. 1992. Measuring service quality: a reexamination and extension. Journal of Marketing, 56(3): 55-68. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177%2F002224299205600304
[22] Curtin, S. 2003. Whale-watching in Kaikoura: Sustainable destination development? Journal of Ecotourism, 2(3): 173–195. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14724040308668143
[23] Das, M. and Chatterjee, B. 2015. Ecotourism: A panacea or a predicament? Tourism Management Perspectives, 14: 3-16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2015.01.002
[24] Del Bosque, I.R.D. and Martin, H.S. 2008. Tourism satisfaction: A cognitive–affective model. Annals of Tourism Research, 35(2): 551–573. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2008.02.006
[25] Devesa, M., Laguna, M. and Palacios, A. 2010. The role of motivation in visitor satisfaction: Empirical evidence in rural tourism. Tourism Manage, 31(4): 547-552. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2009.06.006
[26] Dharmaratne, G. S., Yee Sang, F. and Walling, L. J. 2000. Tourism potentials for financing protected areas. Annals of Tourism Research, 27(3): 590–610. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0160-7383(99)00109-7
[27] Emir, O. and Kozak, M. 2011. Perceived importance of attributes on hotel guests' repeat visit intentions. Turizam: međunarodni znanstveno-stručni časopis, 59(2): 131-143. Available at: file:///C:/Users/USER/Downloads/131_143_Paper01_Pages_from_125_240_Tourism_2011_02en_crop.pdf
[28] Engel, J., Blackwell, R. and Miniard, P. 1993. Consumer behavior. Orlando, FL: Dryden Press.
[29] Fletcher, D. and Fletcher, H. 2003. Manageable predictors of park visitor satisfaction: Maintenance and personnel. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 21: 21–37. Available at: http://staff.washington.edu/kwolf/Archive/Classes/ESRM304_SocSci/304%20Soc%20Sci%20Lab%20Articles/Fletcher_2003.pdf
[30] Fornell, C. 1992. A national customer satisfaction barometer: The Swedish experience. Journal of Marketing, 56(1): 6-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/002224299205600103
[31] Geva, A. and Goldman, A. 1991. Satisfaction measurement in guided tours. Annals of Tourism Research, 18: 177–185. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-7383(91)90002-S
[32] Hornback, K.E. and Eagles, P.F.J. 1999. Guidelines for public use measurement and reporting at parks and protected areas. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK, IUCN.
[33] Howat, G. and Crilley, G. 2007. Customer service quality, satisfaction, and operational performance: A proposed model for Australian public aquatic centres. Annals of Leisure Research, 10(2): 168-195. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2007.9686760
[34] Hvenegaard, GT 2002. Uso de tipologías turísticas para la investigación del ecoturismo. Revista de Ecoturismo, 1(1): 7-18. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14724040208668109
[35] Hwang, S. N., Lee, C. and Chen, H. J. 2005. The relationship among tourists' involvement, place attachment and interpretation satisfaction in Taiwan's national parks. Tourism Management. 26(2): 143–156. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2003.11.006
[36] Jang, S. S. and Feng, R. 2007. Temporal destination revisit intention: The effects of novelty seeking and satisfaction. Tourism Management, 28(2): 580-590. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2006.04.024
[37] Keaveney, S. M. 1995. Customer Switching Behavior in Service Industries: An Exploratory Study. Journal of Marketing, 59(2): 71–82. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/002224299505900206
[38] Kozak, M. 2001. Repeaters' behavior at two distinct destinations. Annals of Tourism Research, 28(3): 784-807. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0160-7383(00)00078-5
[39] Kozak, M. and Rimmington, M. 2000. Tourist Satisfaction with Mallorca, Spain, as an Off-Season Holiday Destination. Journal of Travel Research, 38(3): 260–269. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/004728750003800308
[40] Lawton, L. J. 2001. Public protected areas. The encyclopedia of ecotourism, 287-302.
[41] Lounsbury, J. W. and Hoopes, L. L. 1985. An investigation of factors associated with vacation satisfaction. Journal of Leisure Research, 17(1): 1-13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.1985.11969610
[42] Marcussen, C. H. 2011. Determinants of tourist spending in cross-sectional studies and at Danish destinations. Tourism Economics, 17(4): 833-855. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5367%2Fte.2011.0068
[43] Oliver, R. L. 1980. A Cognitive Model of the Antecedents and Consequences of Satisfaction Decisions. Journal of Marketing Research, 17(4): 460–469. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/002224378001700405
[44] Oliver, R. L. and Swan, J. E. 1989. Consumer Perceptions of Interpersonal Equity and Satisfaction in Transactions: A Field Survey Approach. Journal of Marketing, 53(2): 21–35. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/002224298905300202
[45] Petrick, J. F. 2004. Are loyal visitors desired visitors?. Tourism Management, 25(4): 463-470. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(03)00116-X
[46] Prayag, G. and Ryan, C. 2012. Antecedents of Tourists’ Loyalty to Mauritius: The Role and Influence of Destination Image, Place Attachment, Personal Involvement, and Satisfaction. Journal of Travel Research, 51(3): 342–356. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287511410321
[47] Prayag, G., Hosany, S. and Odeh, K. 2013. The role of tourists' emotional experiences and satisfaction in understanding behavioral intentions. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 2(2): 118-127. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jdmm.2013.05.001
[48] Pritchard, M.P. 2003, The attitudinal and behavioral consequences of destination performance. Tourism Analysis, 8(1): 61-73. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3727/108354203108750175
[49] Qu, H. and Li, I. 1997. The Characteristics and Satisfaction of Mainland Chinese Visitors to Hong Kong. Journal of Travel Research, 35(4): 37–41. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/004728759703500406
[50] Ramkissoon, H., Smith, L. D. G. and Weiler, B. 2013. Testing the dimensionality of place attachment and its relationships with place satisfaction and pro-environmental behaviours: A structural equation modelling approach. Tourism Management, 36: 552–566. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2012.09.003
[51] Rittichainuwat, B.N., Qu, H.L. and Mongknonvanit, C. 2002. A study of the impact of travel satisfaction on the likelihood of travellers to revisit Thailand. Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing, 12 (2/3): 19–43. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1300/J073v12n02_03
[52] Ross, G. F. 1993. Destination evaluation and vacation preferences. Annals of Tourism Research, 20(3): 477-489. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-7383(93)90004-M
[53] Ryan, C. 1999. From the psychometrics of SERVQUAL to sex: Measurements of tourist satisfaction. Consumer behavior in travel and tourism, 267-286.
[54] Sampol, C. J. 1996. Estimating the Probability of Return Visits Using a Survey of Tourist Expenditure in the Balearic Islands. Tourism Economics, 2(4): 339–351. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/135481669600200404
[55] Sıvalıoğlu, P. and Berköz, L. 2012. Perceptual evaluation of the national park users. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 50(0): 928–940. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.08.094
[56] Spreng, R. A., MacKenzie, S. B. and Olshavsky, R. W. 1996. A Reexamination of the Determinants of Consumer Satisfaction. Journal of Marketing, 60(3): 15–32. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/002224299606000302
[57] Stevens, B. F. 1992. Price Value Perceptions of Travelers. Journal of Travel Research, 31(2): 44–48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/004728759203100208
[58] Sun, X., Chi, C.G. and Xu, H. 2013. Developing destination loyalty: the case of Hainan Island. Ann. Tourism Res. 43(October): 547-577. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2013.04.006.
[59] Tian-Cole, S., Crompton, J. and Willson, V. 2002. An empirical investigation of the relationships between service quality, satisfaction and behavioral intentions among visitors to a wildlife refuge. Journal of Leisure Research, 34 (1): 1–24. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.2002.11949957
[60] Tonge, J. and Moore, S. A. 2007. Importance–satisfaction analysis for marine-park hinterlands: A Western Australian case study. Tourism Management, 28(3): 768–776. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2006.05.007
[61] Tonge, J., Moore, S. A. and Taplin, R. 2011. Visitor satisfaction analysis as a tool for park managers: A review and case study. Annals of Leisure Research, 14(4): 289–303. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2011.639339
[62] Um, S., Chon, K. and Ro, Y. 2006. Antecedents of revisit intention, Annals of Tourism Research, 33 (4): 1141-58. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2006.06.003
[63] Weaver, D. 2008. Ecotourism (2nd ed.). Milton: Wiley
[64] Yoon, Y. and Uysal, M. 2005. An examination of the effects of motivation and satisfaction on destination loyalty: a structural model. Tourism Management, 26(1): 45-56. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2003.08.016
[65] Yoon, Y. S., Lee, J. S. and Lee, C. K. 2010. Measuring festival quality and value affecting visitors’ satisfaction and loyalty using a structural approach. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 29(2): 335-342. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2009.10.002
[66] Yuksel, A. 2001. Managing customer satisfaction and retention: A case of tourist destinations, Turkey. Journal of Vacation Marketing, 7(2): 153–168. https://doi.org/10.1177/135676670100700205
[67] Žabkar, V., Brenčič, M. M. and Dmitrović, T. 2010. Modelling perceived quality, visitor satisfaction and behavioural intentions at the destination level. Tourism management, 31(4): 537-546. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2009.06.005
[68] Instituto Costarricense de Turismo. 2019. Cifras Turísticas. Instituto Costarricense de Turismo | ICT. https://www.ict.go.cr/es/estadisticas/cifras-turisticas.html
[69] SINAC. 2019. Áreas Silvestres Protegidas. Sistema de Conservación de Áreas Protegidas de Costa Rica. http://www.sinac.go.cr/ES/asp/Paginas/default.aspx
Published
2021-06-06
How to Cite
CARVACHE-FRANCO, Mauricio et al. Satisfaction and Its Relationship with Loyalty in Ecotourism: A Study in Costa Rica. Journal of Environmental Management and Tourism, [S.l.], v. 12, n. 3, p. 787-796, june 2021. ISSN 2068-7729. Available at: <https://journals.aserspublishing.eu/jemt/article/view/6121>. Date accessed: 21 nov. 2024. doi: https://doi.org/10.14505//jemt.12.3(51).18.