Happiness, Satisfaction, and Risk Perception

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between reported levels of happiness, satisfaction, and risk perceptions during holiday experiences. Empirical examinations of this relationship have received limited attention by researchers, yet examining this topic has theoretical and practical value. Specifically, the purpose of our study was to examine perceptions of risk to holiday activities and hazards, levels of hedonic satisfaction and positive emotions, and sense of engagement and meaning in life as three core elements of happiness for international tourists visiting Vanuatu. The research method consisted of a 100-item self-completed questionnaire; the questionnaire items were based on consumer behavior, psychology, hazard, and risk perception literatures. Results show that our international tourist respondents report high levels of happiness and hedonic satisfaction, perceive the majority of holiday activities as safe, and regard the majority of hazards as posing no threat to their tourist experiences. The study suggests that personal characteristics may influence satisfaction, happiness levels, and risk perceptions, but significant correlations among satisfaction, happiness, and risk perceptions are limited. Theoretically, the study contributes to the growing literature on risk and satisfaction in tourism. Practical recommendations arising from this study include targeted education and awareness campaigns.

Destination risk perception, image and satisfaction: The moderating effects of public opinion climate of risk

“…Our findings show that pre-travel has a continuing impact on tourists' risk experience, which influences tourist perception of the destination's image and subsequent satisfaction with post-travel risk perception and destination image as two mediators. This study thus provides fresh insights into the mechanism from pre-travel risk perception to satisfaction (Chang, 2010;Filep et al, 2014;Quintal et al, 2010;Sohn et al, 2016;Yüksel & Yüksel, 2007).…”

“…For instance, Sohn, Lee, and Yoon (2016) found that the risk perception had a negative impact on destination evaluation, but had no direct impact on satisfaction (Sohn et al, 2016). The study by Filep et al (2014) showed that there was no direct relationship between risk perception and satisfaction. Lo (2012) found that tourist risk perception did not have an impact on either satisfaction or behavioral intentions.…”

Motivations and Experiences of Whitewater Rafting Tourists on the Ocoee River, USA

“…The growing importance of adventure tourism is further evidenced by the facts that over one‐quarter of all trips have an adventure tourism component and that, by the year 2050, this number will increase to over 50% of all trips (Lamoureux, Duverger, & Martin, ). While the growth of adventure tourism has been explained by positive experiences associated with the physical activities in the natural environment (Gyimóthy & Mykletun, ; Cater, ; Buckley, ; Beedie, ; Buckley, ), the perceived risk of an adventure activity often enhances the excitement level, enjoyment and thrill one experiences when participating in the activity ( Gyimóthy & Mykletun, ; Cater, ; Laing & Crouch, ; Filep, Klint, Whitelaw, Dominey‐Howes, & Lacy, ). These positive experiences can influence participants to return to the same place for the same activity, ultimately, leading to the success of adventure tourism (Pizam et al ., ).…”