Cultural destination attributes, overall tourist satisfaction and tourist loyalty: First Timers versus Repeaters

Abstract

This paper analyses the effects of the cultural attributes of tourist destinations on the satisfaction levels of visitors and the impact of this satisfaction rating on visitor loyalty. Additionally, a multiple-group analysis was conducted to compare the responses of first-time visitors and repeat visitors. For this study, a self-administered questionnaire was used to survey 411 international tourists who were visiting Istanbul, Turkey, through convenience sampling. The findings indicated that cultural attractions at the destination impacted the overall satisfaction rating of the visitors, and that this specific satisfaction rating determined the loyalty of the tourist to return to the destination. This relationship between cultural attractions, satisfaction and visitor loyalty was a significant factor for both groups.