Overland tourists’ natural soundscape perceptions: influences on experience, satisfaction, and electronic word-of-mouth

Abstract

The natural soundscape is an under-researched topic of study in tourism literature. More so, research lacks empirical examination on the antecedents and outcomes of natural soundscape perceptions. Drawing on the extant literature, the present study investigates the interplay of tourist engagement, soundscape perceptions, memorable tourism experiences (MTEs), satisfaction and electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM). Using responses from 221 overland tourists in African destinations who posted their experiences on Instagram, the study employs partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modelling to test the relationships. The results reveal that engagement positively influenced natural soundscape perceptions, which, in turn, positively influenced memorable tourism experiences, satisfaction, and e-WOM. Also, MTEs predicted satisfaction and e-WOM. The results did not support the antecedent effects of engagement on memorable tourism experiences, nor of satisfaction on e-WOM. The paper discusses the theoretical and practical implications of the findings and suggests areas for further research.