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Nature is the trump card: scenic beauty is the most important attraction factor.
Emotions count: Positive feelings strengthen loyalty to a destination.
Hospitality works: Friendly locals encourage people to return.
willingness to return.
willingness to return.
Sustainability convinces: Hikers appreciate environmentally friendly offers and tranquillity.
Summary of this study
This study examines the factors that make hiking destinations attractive and how they influence destination loyalty. In particular, the role of scenic beauty, amenities, sustainability and emotional experiences of hikers are considered. The research combines qualitative and quantitative methods to obtain a comprehensive picture of hikers' perspectives. The results show that scenic attractions and an awareness of sustainability, together with hospitality, are crucial for destination loyalty. The study also shows that the emotions associated with the destination play a mediating role between attractiveness and loyalty. The results should help to better tailor hiking offers to the needs of consumers.
Findings from this study
- The study shows that nature has the greatest influence on the attractiveness of a destination, with 53.42% of mentions.
- The friendliness and hospitality of the local population are important factors for destination loyalty. The local community contributes 9.59% to attractiveness and 27.37% to destination loyalty.
- The combination of landscape, sustainability, hospitality and culinary offer is crucial for the perceived attractiveness and destination loyalty of hikers.
- Hikers value sustainability, including reducing pollution and avoiding crowds in the mountains.