Examining the Mediating Role of Tourist Satisfaction in the Travel Motivation and Destination Loyalty Relationship: A Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Analysis

This study aims to empirically examine the relationships among travel motivation (push and pull factors), tourist satisfaction, and destination loyalty within the context of the Indian Himalayan region. Grounded in motivation theory, the study proposes that internal (push) and external (pull) motivational dimensions significantly influence tourist behavior, which in turn enhances overall satisfaction and fosters destination loyalty. Primary data were collected from 403 domestic tourists using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 24) for preliminary analysis and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal a significant and positive relationship between tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty, indicating that satisfied tourists are more likely to revisit and recommend the destination. Furthermore, both push and pull motivation factors were found to have a substantial impact on tourist satisfaction, confirming their critical role in shaping travel experiences. The results also validate the proposed model by demonstrating statistically significant linkages among the key constructs, thereby contributing to the existing body of knowledge on tourism behavior. From a practical perspective, the study highlights the importance of designing destination attributes that align with tourists’ intrinsic motivations and expectations. Destination planners and tourism managers are encouraged to enhance the uniqueness, attractiveness, and experiential value of destinations to strengthen tourist satisfaction and loyalty. The study offers valuable insights for sustainable tourism development and strategic destination management in mountain regions.