STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODEL: INFLUENCE ON TOURIST SATISFACTION WITH DESTINATION ATRIBUTES

Abstract

Purpose – To present a model that expresses the relationships observed between a set of independent variables that condition overall satisfaction with a tourist destination, allowing to discover the potential for improvement of this indicator. Methodology – An instrument is designed to measure the satisfaction of tourists with a destination, starting from a list of attributes used in the literature that are submitted to the research of experts. A reliability analysis of the results and an evaluation of construct validity were performed. Through a confirmatory factor analysis, the factorial structure of the set of observed variables was identified. Finally, a structural equations model was created to understand the interrelationship between the variables considered in the study and their incidence in general satisfaction with the destination. Findings – The application of the instrument designed to the calculated sample allowed to identify the latent variables existing in the practical construct studied, identifying through the factorial analysis four aspects associated to the satisfaction of tourists with the destination: access, lodging, facilities and attractions. The construction of the structural equations model corroborated the previous results and evidenced the level of incidence of each factor studied in the overall satisfaction as well as the incidence of each attribute in the factor that integrates. Originality – It is achieved define a structural equations model that represents and explains the relationship between the variables considered in the quality management of a destination and the degree to which they relate to each other and influence the level of satisfaction experienced by tourists.