*2.1.3. Hedonic benefit perceived by the tourist*

to tourist loyalty to a place. From this perspective, the findings show that such loyalty could be affective, cognitive or conative in nature [6]. It has been revealed that different factors can create optimum levels of satisfaction; in a sense, they are directly linked to the tourist [7] and on the other hand, to the environment of the destination [8]. It has been argued as well in literature on tourism that satisfaction can be the result of the value perceived by the tourist in the place [4]. Similarly, it can be achieved as a consequence of emotional enjoyment [9], the perception of the destination's image [10, 11] or the perception of the quality of the services provided in the place [4]. Overall, satisfaction can be the result of the connection among various qualities of the tourist destination, coupled with positive perceptions by the tourist [12]. In this regard, the benefits perceived in the place will be the principal components to determine tourist satisfaction [13]. Nevertheless, even though there is extensive literature that analyses satisfaction, there is no final consensus regarding which factors determine tourist satisfaction in a destination. From this perspective, this study suggests that satisfaction is determined by the functional [14]; hedonic [15, 16] and symbolic benefits [17] perceived by the tourist. Emphasis is placed on the fact that the hedonic benefit, being considered a multidimensional factor, will have a fundamental role as antecedent to tourist satisfaction. Similarly, it is suggested that the functional, hedonic and symbolic benefits perceived by the tourist will be a consequence of the cognitive

perception [18, 19] and affective evaluation of the place [20, 21].

36 Mobilities, Tourism and Travel Behavior - Contexts and Boundaries

of judgments regarding the quality perceived by the tourist [27].

tination will make it more likely to be chosen and visited [31].

*2.1.2. Functional benefit perceived by the tourist*

**2.1. Theoretical background**

*2.1.1. Tourist satisfaction*

**2. Theoretical background and hypothesis development**

Specialized literature has revealed that satisfaction is a subjective opinion based on the assessment by the tourist after living different experiences in a place [22]. In this regard, tourist satisfaction with a destination is essentially what the tourist expects. In other words, it is the fulfillment of an expectation [23], which can be expressed as an affective state [24] a cognitive state [9] or a combination of both [25], after living experiences in the place. From this perspective, it is a positive assessment by the tourist of the benefits obtained in the place [26], or a sum

It has been argued that a solution-oriented person tends to choose the alternative that best fulfills their needs [28]. In this regard, facing different alternatives, the functional benefit perceived by the tourist is very important in the process of selecting a destination. Such benefit is created by fulfilling an individual's cognitive need, as a consequence of their adaptation to the environment; it can be defined as the utility achieved through functional value [28]. Therefore, the tourist achieves this by experiencing the qualities of the place [29]. The more a destination fulfills the practical needs of tourists, the better the perceived functional benefit will be. The better the ability to fulfill the multiple needs expressed while visiting, the greater the effect on the tourist will be [30]. Consequently, the functional qualities of the tourist desThe hedonic benefit perceived by the tourist can be defined as the enjoyment of the experience in terms of service, associated to their fantasies and feelings [32]. From this perspective, the hedonic benefit perceived by the tourist is relevant in the process of selecting a destination. The enjoyment derived from a place will be assessed through it. This is a result of psycho-sensory experiences, arising from the need of stimulation and sensation-seeking [33]. This is a way to represent multisensory experiences, activated through sensorial stimulation. In this regard, tourist destinations consist of a mix of products and services [34], which are stimulating for the visitor, since they offer pleasurable sensory experiences. The better the multisensory experiences for the tourist, the greater the enjoyment of the visit [35]. As a matter of fact, since tourist destinations are essentially aesthetic, visual contact with the landscape will be an important factor.

#### *2.1.4. Symbolic benefit perceived by the tourist*

The symbolic benefit perceived by the tourist can be defined as the benefit received through the multiple elements of self-concept which, to a large extent, results from the assessment of others, whether real or imagined [36] and consists of various representations by each person, linked to a particular set of social conditions [30]. From this perspective, self-concept has tour different aspects: actual, ideal, social and ideal social [37]. "Actual" refers to an individual's self-image, "ideal" is what the individual would like to be, "social" is the way the individual thinks they are perceived by other important people, and "ideal social" is the way the individual would like to be perceived by other important people [38]. So, tourists could adapt their behavior in a destination, either to reinforce or improve their self-concept. However, they could also visit places that convey a symbolic meaning to themselves and/or others [31]. That way, through the symbolic benefit perceived, the tourist will be able to appreciate the sense of belonging provided by the place visited.
