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Analysis of the Mediating Role of Place Attachment in the Link between Tourists’ Authentic Experiences of, Involvement in, and Loyalty to Rural Tourism

Author

Listed:
  • Ge Wang

    (School of Architecture & Applied Arts, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, Guangzhou 511400, China)

  • Liman Huang

    (School of Tourism Management, South China Normal University, Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Changliang Xu

    (Guangzhou Overseas Chinese Foreign Language School, Guangzhou 510095, China)

  • Kai He

    (School of Architecture & Applied Arts, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, Guangzhou 511400, China)

  • Kang Shen

    (School of Architecture & Applied Arts, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, Guangzhou 511400, China)

  • Peiyu Liang

    (Institute for Science, Technology and Society, South China Normal University, Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China)

Abstract

The sustainable development of rural tourism is conducive to awakening “sleeping” resources, upgrading the industrial structure in rural areas, enhancing the revitalization ability of rural areas, accelerating the construction of cultural tourism, and promoting the strategy of rural revitalization. The loyalty of tourists has been considered as an important construct to describe the relationship between rural tourism growth and travelers’ future behavioral intentions. This study aims to integrate the relationship between authentic experience, involvement, place attachment, and loyalty into rural tourism research. The results of the study showed that tourists’ authentic experience and tourism participation have a significantly positive effect on place identity and place dependence (two different dimensions of place attachment), and authentic experience significantly positively affects involvement. Place identity and place dependence greatly and positively affect tourist loyalty. Furthermore, place dependence and place identity play a comprehensive mediating role in the relationship between authentic experience, involvement, and loyalty. The research findings provide a theoretical foundation and a point of reference for rural destinations in developing additional strategies and initiatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Ge Wang & Liman Huang & Changliang Xu & Kai He & Kang Shen & Peiyu Liang, 2022. "Analysis of the Mediating Role of Place Attachment in the Link between Tourists’ Authentic Experiences of, Involvement in, and Loyalty to Rural Tourism," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:19:p:12795-:d:935729
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wookhyun An & Silverio Alarcón, 2020. "How Can Rural Tourism Be Sustainable? A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-23, September.
    2. Jing Wang & Yi Wang & Yinchun He & Zhangxiang Zhu, 2022. "Exploring the Factors of Rural Tourism Recovery in the Post-COVID-19 Era Based on the Grounded Theory: A Case Study of Tianxi Village in Hunan Province, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-15, April.
    3. Zaichkowsky, Judith Lynne, 1985. "Measuring the Involvement Construct," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 12(3), pages 341-352, December.
    4. Xiaoting Chi & Seul Ki Lee & Young-joo Ahn & Kiattipoom Kiatkawsin, 2020. "Tourist-Perceived Quality and Loyalty Intentions towards Rural Tourism in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-18, April.
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    2. Yuni Budi Lestari & Kamaludin Yusra, 2022. "Identifying Tourism Potentials of Ethno-Cultural Attractions in Lombok," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-21, December.
    3. Lei Shi & Jing-Yan Ma & Chul-Ok Ann, 2023. "Exploring the Effect of Tour Guide Cultural Interpretation on Tourists’ Loyalty in the Context of the Southern Journey by Emperor Qianlong," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-19, July.

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