Motivations and their influence on satisfaction and loyalty in eco-tourism: a study of the foreign tourist in Costa Rica

The objective of this study was to a) analyze the underlying variables of motivations in eco-tourism; and b) find the underlying variables of the motives that predict satisfaction, return, recommendation, and saying positive things of the eco-tourism site. The study took place in the Arenal National Park and the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica. The sample consisted of 246 surveys obtained in-situ. For data analysis, a factor analysis, and the stepwise multiple regression method were performed. The results show six motivational dimensions in eco-tourism: Self-development, Interpersonal relationships and ego-defensive function, Nature, Reward, Building personal relationships, and Escape. There is a positive relationship between motivations and satisfaction and loyalty, with “Reward” and “Nature” as the most influential variables.