The effect of nationality on visitor satisfaction and willingness to recommend a destination: A joint modeling approach

Abstract Previous research has shown that visitor satisfaction varies across nationalities, that tourists from some countries are more loyal than others, and that visitor satisfaction enhances destination loyalty. However, the relationships between nationality, satisfaction, and loyalty have not been examined together in the past. In this study, we fill this research gap by examining the mediating effect of visitor satisfaction on the relationship between nationality and destination loyalty. For this purpose, we use a joint modeling regression approach. Statistical testing favors this estimation strategy, and the results uncover substantial direct effects of nationality on loyalty. Satisfaction-mediated, or indirect, impacts are not visible in most of the cases (with the exception of Danish travelers). The study offers some practical managerial implications.