The effect of destination psychological ownership and tourist motivations on experiences

The main purpose of this thesis study is to examine the relationships between tourist motivation, psychological ownership of the destination, tourist satisfaction, on-site behavior, braggart word-of-mouth (WoM), and revisit tendencies. In addition, the effect of the Covid-19 epidemic, which has affected the whole world since the end of 2019, pushing people to avoid travel, on repeat-visit tendencies was also examined. To achieve this stated purpose, a research model was created as a result of a detailed literature review. Although the effect of travel motivations has been examined in the tourism literature, the role of psychological ownership of the destination in the tourist experience has not been adequately examined. To contribute to filling this gap, data were collected from 538 participants using a questionnaire, exceeding the number determined by G*POWER, to test the relationship patterns. PLS-SEM was used in the analysis of the data. After the criteria of the extrinsic model (internal consistency, discriminant validity, and convergent validity) were met, the criteria of the extrinsic model (multiple correlation control, R 2, Q 2) were examined, and the results of the hypotheses were evaluated. According to this, while culture, hedonic pursuit, and relaxation affected tourist satisfaction positively and significantly, the physical movement did not significantly affect tourist satisfaction. The effect of psychological ownership of the destination on tourist satisfaction was found to be significant. While psychological ownership of the destination had a significant effect on braggart, WoM, and revisit tendency, its effect on on-site behavior was found to be insignificant. Tourist satisfaction, on the other hand, had a significant effect on appropriate behavior and revisit tendency, but not on boasting and WOM. Finally, no significant effect of the tendency to avoid travel due to Covid-19 on the tendency to revisit was observed. Considering these findings, various suggestions were made for future studies and practitioners.