Journal of Business & Economic Policy

Towards Emotional Experience and Place Attachment as Tourist Satisfaction Attributes
Hager Turki Tlili, Dalia Amara

Abstract
This research explores the effects of emotional experience and place attachment on customer satisfaction. A field survey based on, a quantitative approach was conducted using questionnaires as a tool to investigate tourists having chosen a specific destination for their holidays. Data were collected through a questionnaire with a sample size of 303 individuals. The research methodology consisted of an exploratory phase for establishing scales dimensionality, a Structural Equation Modelling (LISREL) for validating empirically the structural framework, with respect to all thresholds needed, and a rigorous analysis methodology. The research had highlighted the impact of emotional experience generated by the tourist trip, such as joy, love, and positive surprise and dimensions underlying place attachment such as place identity and place dependence on the tourist satisfaction. Research findings revealed that positive emotions experienced during a trip, develop an emotional attachment and generate satisfaction. And consequently, extremely satisfied customers are excellent describers of the destination via word of mouth.

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