CAMPING TOURISM EXPERIENCE, SATISFACTION AND LOYALTY: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY FROM CROATIA

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the impact of different dimensions of the camping tourism experience on satisfaction and loyalty. To achieve the purpose of this research, it was necessary to adjust and validate the measurement scale of the tourism experience in campsites. Furthermore, the goal was to investigate the relationship between camping tourists’ satisfaction and their loyalty to the camp. Methodology – An analysis of the recent literature on the topic of tourism experience and camping tourism was performed. Empirical research was conducted on a convenience sample of 143 visitors to campsites. Descriptive and multivariate statistics were used in the data analysis. Reliability analysis and exploratory factor analysis were applied. Hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis. Data analysis was performed using the software package IBM SPSS Statistic Version 26. Findings – The results of empirical research show that of the four extracted dimensions of the camping tourism experience, three have a positive and significant impact on tourist satisfaction and loyalty. These are education, escapism and aesthetics, while entertainment has no significant impact. Contribution – This research represents a starting point for further research about the camping tourism experience. The scale for measuring the camping tourism experience was validated and can be used in further research. Also, the results can help managers to develop marketing strategies and tactics, as the determinants of the tourism experience of camping tourists have been established.