Exploring the Roles of Destination Brand Personality, Self-Congruity, Satisfaction, and Loyalty in a Cross-Cultural Context

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18089/tms.20260305

Keywords:

Destination Brand Personality, Self-Congruity, Destination Satisfaction, Destination Loyalty, Cultural Differences, Tourism

Abstract

This study examines the relationships between Asian and European tourists' perceptions of destination brand personality and self-congruity in the Side destination. The research was conducted in July-August 2024, with data collected through face-to-face interviews with foreign visitors. SPSS package program and PLS-SEM were preferred to analyse the data, and the effects of destination brand personality elements of sincerity and ruggedness on self-congruity were examined in detail. The results show that an increase in tourists' self-congruity significantly increases their satisfaction and loyalty towards the destination. Furthermore, cultural differences have been found to play a moderating role in the relationships between self-congruity and satisfaction, as well as satisfaction and loyalty. As a consequence, it has been emphasised that creating a brand personality and enhancing self-congruity have a significant effect on tourists' satisfaction and loyalty, which can be critical elements for ensuring sustainable success in a competitive tourism market. These findings suggest that destination managers should shape their marketing strategies by taking cultural differences into account.

Author Biographies

  • Gozde Seval Ergun, Akdeniz University, Türkiye

    Gözde Seval Ergün is an Associate Professor at the Manavgat Faculty of Tourism, Akdeniz University, Türkiye. Her primary research interests include tourism management, tourist behaviour, destination marketing, and complaint behaviour in tourism. She can be contacted at gates@akdeniz.edu.tr.

  • Huseyin Keles, Akdeniz University, Türkiye

    Hüseyin Keleş is an Assistant Professor at the Manavgat Faculty of Tourism, Akdeniz University, Türkiye. His primary research interests include tourism security, festival management, destination management, and tourist behaviour. He can be contacted at hkeles@akdeniz.edu.tr.

  • Ozgur Yayla, Akdeniz University, Türkiye

    Özgür Yayla is an Associate Professor at the Manavgat Faculty of Tourism, Akdeniz University, Türkiye. His primary research interests include recreational activities, service quality, tourist behaviour, and destination marketing. He can be contacted at ozguryayla@akdeniz.edu.tr.

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05.08.2026

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Applied Cultural Studies: Research Papers

How to Cite

Ergun, G. S. ., Keles, H., & Yayla, O. (2026). Exploring the Roles of Destination Brand Personality, Self-Congruity, Satisfaction, and Loyalty in a Cross-Cultural Context. Tourism & Management Studies, 22(3), 65-85. https://doi.org/10.18089/tms.20260305

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