Destination sustainability and tourist behavior in river tourism: the role of satisfaction and nationality differences

Purpose This study examines how key destination attributes influence tourist satisfaction and how satisfaction, in turn, affects revisit intention and word-of-mouth in urban river tourism. It also tests the mediating role of satisfaction and the moderating role of tourist nationality.Design/methodology/approach A sequential mixed-methods design combined focus-group refinement of measures and a structured on-site survey of 479 tourists in Can Tho, Vietnam. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) with bootstrapping and multi-group analysis was used.Findings Community involvement, sustainability, amenities, and accessibility significantly enhanced satisfaction, while activities and entertainment unexpectedly reduced it. Satisfaction functioned as a mediator between destination attributes and behavioural intentions. Nationality moderated the effects of satisfaction on revisit intention and word of mouth, with stronger impacts observed among domestic tourists.Originality/value By integrating the theory of planned behaviour, expectancy disconfirmation theory and the experience economy with complementary perspectives such as place attachment, experiential value, and emotional solidarity, this study refines theoretical understanding of satisfaction and loyalty in river-based urban tourism. It shows that social and environmental dimensions dominate over price in shaping behavioural intentions.Practical implications Managers should prioritise community-led initiatives, visible sustainability measures and context-sensitive entertainment design; pairing infrastructure upgrades with safeguards for local livelihoods is essential.