Rural and Urban Land Tourism and Destination Image: A Dual-Case Study Approach Examining Energy-Saving Behavior and Loyalty

Abstract

Although the significance of destination image is acknowledged, its effect on tourist reactions, especially energy-saving behavior, remains unknown. This research aimed to explore tourist energy-saving behavior (TESB) and loyalty (TL) in a rural land context by using the cognition-affect-behavior (CAB) model. The findings indicated: (1) destination image positively and directly influenced TESB and TL; (2) relationship quality variables, i.e., tourist satisfaction and destination trust, positively and separately mediated the associations of destination image with TESB and TL; and (3) a cross-validation approach of rural and urban cases documented support for the research findings. This study extends the destination image literature by introducing the CAB model and the cross-validation approach to examine energy-saving behavior and loyalty. It offers guidance and a reference for tourism destination practitioners to promote energy-saving behavior and loyalty through the enhancement of destination image and relationship quality.