Extending self-congruity theory in slow tourism: mediating mechanisms and behavioral outcomes


ÖĞRETMENOĞLU M., AKOVA O.

ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF MARKETING AND LOGISTICS, ss.1-17, 2025 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1108/apjml-06-2025-1182
  • Dergi Adı: ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF MARKETING AND LOGISTICS
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, ABI/INFORM
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-17
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Behavioral intentions, Self-congruity theory, Slow cities, Slow tourist, Tourist experience
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore how self-congruity affects the behavioral intentions of slow tourists, particularly their intentions to recommend and revisit. Furthermore, it investigates how various dimensions of slow tourism experiences mediate this relationship.Design/methodology/approachA survey instrument was applied to domestic tourists visiting five slow cities in T & uuml;rkiye. SmartPLS 4 was utilized to perform the structural equation modeling.FindingsSelf-congruity significantly influences slow tourists' behavioral intentions both directly and indirectly through experiential dimensions. Indirect effects via educational and aesthetic experiences are supported, whereas escapist experience is not found to be significant. In addition, entertainment experience mediates the relationship between self-congruity and recommendation intention, but does not mediate the relationship between self-congruity and revisit intention.Practical implicationsThe results indicate that slow tourism destinations should offer educational, aesthetic and entertainment experiences that align with tourists' self-perceptions. Such experiences can enhance their intentions to revisit and recommend.Originality/valueThis paper advances the literature by offering a theoretical framework centered on self-congruity theory, while integrating insights from Experience Economy Theory and Theory of Planned Behavior, within the context of slow tourism.