The structural relationships of destination image, awareness, uniqueness and destination loyalty in periurban ecotourism destination

Abstract

This study is designed to explore the conceptualization of ecotourism in order to expand the concept into ecotourism activities in our daily lives. To this end, the author proposes the 'periurban ecotourism' concept and conducts an empirical study with a focus on Nabari City, a small Japanese city with a well-preserved natural environment that has been attracting a number of visitors. In this study, destination image, awareness and uniqueness are presented as key independent variables to set directions for the development as a periurban ecotourism destination and to thereby develop a "theoretical periurban ecotourism model", and four hypotheses for this study are examined. Findings from the examination reveal that destination image and awareness have a positive impact on overall satisfaction while destination uniqueness generates statistically significant result. In a group of first visitors, however, destination uniqueness appears to have a significant impact of some degree, with less influence than expected. In order to help redefine ecotourism and suggest a variety of research questions for ecotourism markets, it is necessary to conduct an empirical study covering "periurban ecotourism" and its conceptualization, motivation of ecotourists, and lifestyles from a more concrete perspective.

Psychological engagement drives brand loyalty: evidence from Malaysian ecotourism destinations

“…Ecotourism became an integral part of sustainable tourism development (Bhuiyan et al, 2015;Ruhanen et al, 2019), which focusses primarily on nature-based tourism (Jun, 2016). Such tourism aims to conserve the environment and minimises the negative environmental impact (Bhuiyan et al, 2015).…”

An Associative Ecotourism Model Aimed at Optimizing Resources for Tourism Chain SMEs in the Highland Communities of the Peruvian Andes

“…User satisfaction focuses on the characteristics of the resources, products, and services offered and on how the community promotes tourism, thereby fostering human satisfaction and true intention to return. Finally, the singularity component of the destination does not seem to exert a significant impact or, at least, the expected influence in these studies [10].…”

“…The tourism potential of mountainous destinations mostly lies in their ecotourism resources (lakes, rivers, snow-capped mountains, and wildlife). Consequently, the approaches employed for preserving and developing social, environmental, and economic environments and the proper development of a technological environment without affecting the aforementioned environments are paramount within the contexts of these resources [6]- [10]. Although environmental conservation is relevant hereto, conservation fostered by active engagement (assessment, opinions, and perceptions) from actors, residents, stakeholders, and the government is a fundamental component of the ecological models reviewed [6]- [8].…”

How is the value of the exhibition brand in the eyes of the audience? Based on the perspective of green practice

“…The author believes that the uniqueness seeking theory ( Ryan, 2008 ) can explain this finding. Scholars in the fields of fashion, retail, and tourism have verified that consumer loyalty to brands will be affected by brand uniqueness (i.e., Noble et al, 2006 ; Jun, 2016 ; Su and Chang, 2018 ). The content of RRE and GFB practices perceived by the audience in this study, such as the separate recycling program, has become a popular and familiar scene in people’s daily lives ( Agovino et al, 2019 ).…”