Ecotourists' loyalty: will they tell about the destination or will they return?

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of price, value, satisfaction, quality, and performance on the ecotourists' loyalty towards the destination. By using an attitudinal approach, loyalty is conceptualised by analysing the post-purchase decision-making of the ecotourists (intent to return or recommend). The analysis is based on 454 on-site surveys collected from ecotourists visiting the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. The results from path analysis indicate that ecotourists are not likely to return but are willing to recommend the destination. The findings suggest that the Galapagos Islands might be perceived as an iconic destination and considered a ‘once in a lifetime experience’. The ecotourists' loyalty to the Galapagos is only reflected by their willingness to recommend. The article concludes with recommendations for tourism and government organisations regarding the management of word of mouth communications and first-time visitors in an attempt to improve sustainability.

Keywords:

• ecotourists
• Galapagos Islands
• behavioural intentions
• customer satisfaction
• word of mouth

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