A configurational impact assessment of pet tourism destination visit intention: application of TPB, servicescapes, and loss-aversion under prospect theory

As the number of pet lovers is increasing, the tourism industry has become keenly interested in pet-friendly business environments. This study aimed to explain pet owners' intentions to visit a pet tourism destination using diverse determinants, which were applied in three theoretical frameworks. Data were collected from a sample of 349 pet owners. Among the meaningful results, pet owners chose pet tourism destinations that offered physical environment attributes. Their intentions were salient to overcoming perceived behavioural control issues or perceived risks. Overall, pet owners revealed a strong intention to visit pet tourism accommodation if the destination provided suitable facilities or services. The results of this study are of academic and industrial significance because they relate to a new niche market: pet lovers and pet-friendly tourism businesses.