Relationships Among Tourist Profile, Satisfaction and Destination Loyalty: Examining Empirical Evidences in Antalya Region of Turkey

Abstract

The present study aims to make a contribution to the body of knowledge in destination management and marketing by improving understanding of the relationships among tourist profile, satisfaction, and loyalty. Drawing upon theoretical and empirical evidences in the relevant literature, three hypotheses were developed and tested. A survey of 10,393 foreign tourists visiting Antalya was carried out in the summer of 2008 and the data were analyzed using chi-square test, independent sample t test, and ANOVA. Research findings indicated that there were significant relationships among tourist profile, satisfaction, and loyalty. The article ends with theoretical and practical implications in predicting tourists' satisfaction and loyalty levels and increasing tourism marketing effectiveness of Antalya as a holiday destination.