1.
Anjana Lamichhane
ID
– Nepal Development Research Institute, Lalitpur, Nepal.
2.
Anup K C
ID
– Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA.
3.
Bishal Sharma
– Amrit Campus, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
4.
Resham Thapa Parajuli
ID
– Central Department of Economics, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Abstract
Understanding guest satisfaction and their intention to revisit or recommend a destination is crucial for tourism development.
This study aimed to examine the dimensions of guest satisfaction and determine its impact on satisfaction and future behavioral intention in a
rural tourism destination. It focused on two different scenarios: before and after COVID-19 pandemic. Self-administered questionnaires were
distributed to departing guest at homestays/resorts in Chitlang, following their check-out procedures. A total of 206 completed questionnaires
were collected and analyzed quantitatively using factor analysis and multiple regression analysis. Four key factors of attribute satisfaction
were identified in relation to guest satisfaction and future behavioral intentions: amenities, attractions, accessibilities, and local lifestyle.
Among these, accessibility had the greatest impact on satisfaction, while attraction contributed most to the guests’ future behavioral intention.
Theoretically, this study highlights how guest satisfaction attributes and their relationship with behavioral intentions differ in pre and post
pandemic contexts of a rural tourism destination as studies are limited in these contexts. This comparative study is valuable as it provides
insights into rural destination performance from a crisis. Improving transportation infrastructure and diversifying cultural/natural attractions
can enhance both satisfaction and behavioral intention of guests, especially in the face of future uncertainties.
Keywords Guests’ Satisfaction, Destination Attributes, Revisit and Recommend Intention, Rural Tourism
