The Effects of Perceived Value of Destination Experience and Satisfaction on a Tourist's Quality of Life:Focused on the US University Students

The main objective of this study is to describe how the perceived value of vacation experience in association withspecific satisfaction with a trip influences a tourist’s overall Quality of Life (QOL). The model is based on thetheoretical notion that a travel experience influences life satisfaction through the tourist’s satisfaction with adestination. The relevant constructs of perceived value of trip experience, satisfaction with destination, and overallquality of life are assessed. A total of 288 responses were collected using a convenience sampling method. Theproperties of three research constructs in the proposed model were tested with LISREL. Before investigatingrelationships between constructs in the hypothesized model, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used. As thenext step, the relationships between three main constructs were tested by using a Structural Equation Model (SEM). The results showed that perceived value of destination experience influences satisfaction with travel experience,which in turn affects quality of life. These findings indicate that tourists consider visiting a destination as a valuableand correct choice that leads positively to their satisfaction and quality of life. Since the tourist's perceived value haseffects on satisfaction and quality of life, destination planners and marketers need to consider the importance ofvalues when tourism products and services are developed. In other words, products and services offered to touristsshould be priced competitively and appropriately.