Destination attribute effects on rock climbing tourist satisfaction: an Asymmetric Impact-Performance Analysis

Abstract

In spite of its importance as an alternative type of tourism, rock climbing has generally been considered a sport activity and investigated by the academics focusing on sports management and medical injuries. This study emphasises the growing popularity of rock climbing in the tourism industry and attempts to examine the quality perceptions of rock climbing tourists on various destination attributes, and the influence of each perception on overall satisfaction by using Asymmetric Impact-Performance Analysis. Results showed that Infrastructure and Accommodation were excitement factors, and low performing in the eyes of tourists who visited the Geyikbayiri area, Antalya to rock climb. However, these factors were the most important determinants of overall satisfaction for first-time visitors, while they were the basic necessities for repeat visitors.