The role of novelty seeking, perceived risk, and destination image in the effect of nature tourism experience on satisfaction

This study investigated the impact of tourist experience on satisfaction. The mediating role of novelty seeking, perceived risk, and destination image in this effect is examined. The study' population consists of domestic tourists visiting Küre Mountains National Park. A mixed method was used in the study. For the quantitative part of the study, convenience sampling method, one of the non-random sampling methods, and for the qualitative part, purposive sampling method was chosen. As a data collection tool, the survey technique was used for the quantitative part, and the interview technique was used for the qualitative part. The study' data were collected between 01.07.2022 and 15.11.2022. The quantitative findings of the study showed that tourist experience has a significant impact on novelty seeking, perceived risk, destination image and satisfaction, and destination image affects satisfaction. In addition, it was found that perceived risk and destination image mediate the relationship between tourist experience and satisfaction, but novelty seeking has not mediating role this relationship. The qualitative findings of the study revealed that tourists visiting natural areas have escape and esthetic dimensions in their experiences. It has been shown that novelty seeking is caused by tourists' desire to find something different, see new places, and meet different people, and also that local products are important for tourists. Tourists who low risk perceived, were found to have visited the destination before, to have visited the destination on recommendation, to have researched before coming to the destination, and to have a well-informed travel partner about the destination. It was revealed that tourists who high risk perceived, visited the destination for the first time, were influenced by negative news in the media, thought that the possibility of encountering wild animals in nature and the difficulties of intervening in case of possible emergencies on the track. It is understood that these perceptions of tourists who have destination image positively caused the fact that these canyons are uniquely beautiful compared to other canyons, to be safety the tracks and built in harmony with nature. It has been determined that the perceptions of tourists who have destination image negatively are due to the lack of informative signboards and promotion, insufficiency of accommodation and food and beverage businesses, and deformations at some points of the track. It has been determined that the protection of natural beauties, the friendliness of the local people, and the adequate length of the tracks provide tourists' satisfaction. In the conclusion part of the study, by evaluating quantitative and qualitative findings together theoretical and practical suggestions were proposed.