Examining the Relationship between Subjective Vitality as a Personality Trait, Experience Quality, and Environmental Stewardship of Tourists Visiting Atatürk Arboretum

Abstract

Subjective vitality is usually discussed theoretically in a business context but it has important practical implications as well. This study examines subjective vitality as a trait and personal resource, in the context of outdoor recreation and garden tourism. Visitors of Atatürk Arboretum, Istanbul were surveyed, and a model was proposed and tested to examine the relationship between subjective vitality and experience quality based on conservation of resources theory and environmental stewardship (attitudinal stewardship and behavioral intentions). The results confirm that subjective vitality has a significant and positive effect on experience quality. Further, experience quality has a significant and positive effect on attitudinal stewardship, which, in turn, has the same effect on behavioral intentions. This implies that, after having a good experience, a visitor may feel more connected to the park, more willing to help, and more inclined to revisit and advocate.