The role of spiritual destination image in mediating attachment to virtual tours and social media promotion on return visit intentions

Abstract

This study intends to evaluate the role that spiritual destination image plays in mediating the effects of attachment to virtual tours and the promotion of spiritual destinations through social media with the intention to revisit spiritual places in Bali. The research primarily examines individuals who have participated in tourism-related endeavors and visited spiritual destinations in Bali. A purposive selection strategy was used to choose a sample size of 160 tourists for the study. The analytical methodology employed in this study involves the utilization of Path Analysis, specifically implementing Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The study found that emotional attachment with virtual tours improves the spiritual destination's image and intention to revisit. The impact of social media promotion on the perception and intention to revisit a spiritual place has been found to be substantial and beneficial. Furthermore, the portrayal of the spiritual destination has a notable and favorable impact on an individual's propensity to partake in subsequent visits. Furthermore, the image of a spiritual destination is able to mediate attachment to a virtual tour and social media promotion with the intention to revisit partially. Hence, it is imperative for managers overseeing spiritual destinations in Bali to consistently devise virtual tour models and employ social media promotions to enhance the image of these spiritual destinations. This strategic approach aims to augment tourists' inclination to visit such destinations, thereby fostering sustainable tourism practices in Bali.