News—IJTVET publishes study about destination loyalty of SVD Farm visitors, written by Fr. Dennis Tostado, SVD, and Sam Agcaracar, SVD
Tagaytay City—In a recent publication of the International Journal of Technical Vocational and Engineering Technology (IJTVET), a study titled "Factors Affecting Destination Loyalty: The Case of An Ecotourism Farm" shed light on the dynamics of ecotourism and destination loyalty within the context of the behavior of visitors to the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm.
The study, published in IJTVET last December 28, 2023, was authored by Rev. Fr. Dennis B. Testado, SVD, currently from the Holy Name University, and Rev. Fr. Samuel Agcaracar, SVD, Rector of the SVD Tagaytay Community, Executive Director of the SVD Farm, and Director of the Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies (DWIMS)
Fr. Dennis and Fr. Sam’s study is a meticulous exploration of the factors driving visitors' intention to return and recommend the destination to others. Published in the first issue of the fourth volume of IJTVET, the study offered valuable insights into the growing field of ecotourism, particularly in the context of the SVD Farm.
In the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SVD Laudato Si' Farm emerged as a prominent ecotourism destination, attracting a diverse array of visitors. The study scrutinized the motivational factors influencing visitors' loyalty to the unique ecotourism experience that the SVD Farm offers, categorizing them into four key constructs: spirituality and religion, fun and social contact, nature, and wellness and healing.
Using a quantitative survey design, the researchers analyzed data from 326 valid responses, employing descriptive and linear regression statistics to unravel the relationships between motivational factors and destination loyalty. The findings revealed a robust correlation between these factors and visitors' intention to return, with all four motivational constructs significantly predicting destination loyalty.
The implications of this research offer practical recommendations for ecotourism managers seeking to enhance visitor experiences and foster destination loyalty. By understanding and harnessing the motivational drivers identified in the study, managers of institutions similar to the SVD Farm can tailor their offerings to resonate with visitors on a deeper level, thereby cultivating enduring connections with the destination.
However, the study also underscores the need for continued exploration and replication, advocating for further research to validate and expand upon these findings.
As ecotourism continues to gain traction as a sustainable and enriching form of travel, studies like these play a pivotal role in unraveling its complexities and maximizing its potential. Fr. Dennis and Fr. Sam’s study contributes to the ever-evolving landscape of ecotourism, guiding practitioners and scholars alike toward a deeper understanding of destination loyalty and visitor motivations.
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Read the study through the link below:
https://journal.pktm.com.my/index.php/ijtvet/article/view/113
For reservations and other information, including ways to support and connect with the SVD Farm, contact us through:
📞 0905-106-5499
📧 contact@svdlaudatosifarmfoundation.org