The influence of study abroad experience on the destination loyalty of international students: Mediating effects of emotional solidarity and destination image

The objective of this study was to explore the influence of study abroad experience on destination loyalty and discuss the mediating role of emotional solidarity and destination image in the context of higher edutourism. A questionnaire survey was conducted among international students studying in China and 335 valid questionnaires were selected. Results of the path analysis conducted revealed that the following: (1) The study abroad experience had a significant positive effect on the international students’ destination loyalty. (2) Both emotional solidarity and destination image played a mediating role between the study abroad experience and destination loyalty of international students. (3) Emotional solidarity had a significant positive effect on the destination image of international students. (4) Emotional solidarity and destination image played a chain-mediating role between the study abroad experience and destination loyalty of international students. The results of this study could help promote destination loyalty among international students by enhancing interactions between international students and local residents, and establishing a positive image of the study destination, which is beneficial to the development of local tourism and higher education at the theoretical and practical level.