Impact of Travel Motivation, Experiences, and Tourist Harassment on Behavioral Intentions through Destination Image

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Cairo university

2 Cairo , Egypt

10.22059/ijms.2026.402425.678026

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the factors that shape a destination’s image — specifically travel motivation, tourist experiences and experiences of harassment and how these factors are associated with tourists' behavioral intentions. Using a mixed-method approach, the research began with in-depth interviews of international tourists, followed by a quantitative study with 278 valid responses. A two-stage PLS-SEM analysis v.3.2.8 was employed to test the research hypotheses. Results indicate that travel motivation, memorable tourism experiences, and tourist harassment significantly impact the three dimensions of destination image (cognitive, affective, and conative). Both affective and conative images positively influence tourists' behavioral intentions. However, past experience does not moderate the relationship between destination image dimensions and behavioral intention. The findings of the study provide tourism companies and Destination Marketing Organizations with insights to help in designing targeted image campaigns that align with tourists’ expectations and develop strategies to enhance visitor experiences.

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