Understanding memorable tourism experiences and behavioural intentions at geothermal destinations: A PLS-SEM and fsQCA approach

Although geothermal resources have long been utilised as tourism assets, research on geothermal tourism experiences remains scarce. This research investigates the interplay of memorable tourism experience (MTE) dimensions in shaping tourists’ revisit and recommend intentions. A survey was administered among visitors to a geothermal destination of Rotorua, New Zealand. The study employed a symmetric approach using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and an asymmetric approach utilising fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) for data analysis. The findings reveal that hedonism, novelty, refreshment, and meaningfulness significantly influence revisit intention, while hedonism, involvement, novelty, and refreshment significantly impact recommend intention. Additionally, the fsQCA results show twelve sufficient combinations of MTE dimensions that drive high revisit and recommend intentions. This research enriches the tourism scholarship by providing new insights into the role of MTEs in geothermal tourism. The findings also offer a strategic guiding framework for destination managers.