Do consumers really value all destination attributes equally over time? the dynamic nature of individual-level attributes and their outcomes

Abstract

Destination attributes and their outcomes have evolved over time. This study examines the dynamic nature of destination attributes and their outcomes to explain the difference between the initial and later stages of travel by applying a longitudinal approach using two different time intervals. Our findings show that the effect of experiential attributes (i.e. the quality of food and drinks, the quality of accommodation, etc.) on destination satisfaction decreases during subsequent destination visits. In contrast, destination attributes such as ease of finding locations and cultural and historic attractions increase. This study also shows that the temporal effect of the satisfaction-behavioural intention linkage declines over time. Interestingly, while there is no carryover effect between initial satisfaction and accumulated satisfaction, our findings show that the revised behavioural intention at time T+1 is a function of the initial level of behavioural intention at time T. This study offers insights that will aid in developing theoretical and practical guidelines across subsequent revisit stages.