Modeling self-identification, memorable tourism experience, overall satisfaction and destination loyalty: empirical evidence from small island destinations

PurposeAlthough many studies addressed destination marketing concepts, the relationship between self-identification, memorable tourism experiences, overall satisfaction, and destination loyalty in small island destinations remains unknown. To address this issue, the authors established a model based on social identity theory to investigate the effects of self-identification on overall satisfaction and loyalty, taking into account the mediating role of memorable tourism experiences.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on 335 useable questionnaires from the visitors of Princes' Islands in Turkey, a quantitative study approach was administrated to empirically analyze a partial least squares path model in PLS-SEM.FindingsThe findings revealed that self-identification positively affects memorable tourism experiences, overall satisfaction, and destination loyalty. The findings also confirm the indirect effects of self-identification on overall satisfaction and destination loyalty through mediating the role of memorable tourism experiences.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of the study will be useful both theoretically and practically. Theoretically, this research will be important to determine tourist behavior through the viewpoint of self-identification in the context of a small island destination. Practically, the findings of this study will assist small island destinations' policymakers and practitioners to develop strategies and make effective future actions.Originality/valueThis is the first study that uses a complete structural model linking self-identification, memorable tourism experiences, overall satisfaction, and destination loyalty.