Experiential marketing and purchase intention of ecotourism experiences: Z-Generation case

Abstract

Consumers are more willing to invest in experiences with relaxation and stress reduction. Tourism, a pivotal driver of the economy, and its associated activities hold significant potential for experiential marketing. It is particularly evident in the growing interest of tourists in natural settings and experiences related to nature, fostering an environment conducive to the expansion of ecotourism. Consequently, an exploratory study was conducted with the following research question: How does experiential marketing relate to consumer satisfaction, loyalty, word-of-mouth, and intention to purchase ecotourism experiences, explicitly focusing on Generation Z? - The results indicate positive correlations between experiential marketing and satisfaction constructs, consequently establishing a link between satisfaction, loyalty, word-of-mouth promotion, and purchase intention. Thus, the findings provide valuable insights into the behaviors of ecotourism consumers and how experiential marketing can facilitate the development of more effective marketing strategies to enhance tourist satisfaction.