The relationship between happiness and the desire for hospitality mediated by tourist self-image and destination image

Abstract This research is justified by the need to broaden the theory about consumer behavior in tourism and the importance of improving commercial practices. The main objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between the search for happiness in the tourist experience and the desire for local hospitality, mediated by the congruence between the tourist's self-image and the destination image. A survey yielded 221 completed questionnaires. We took a quantitative approach to data analysis using multiple linear regression technique, and the results indicate a significant and positive relationship between the search for happiness in the tourist experience and the desire for local hospitality, mediated by the congruence of tourists self-image (how they see themselves) and tourist destination image. The originality of this study is to identify the self-image of the tourist and tourist destination as factors mediating the perception of local hospitality.