*2.2.4. Cognitive perception of the tourist destination: functional benefit perceived*

needs [46]. A destination is linked to its visitors and accounts for affective links, which can be positive, neutral or negative [47]. From this perspective, such link between products and emotions evokes an image of the product in the consumer's mind [44]. Consequently, an affective evaluation can emerge from two different paths; one of them is innate and includes sensory/ motor processes that generate primitive or partially formed affective assessments, while the

In terms of tourism, the functional benefit perceived has a positive effect on tourist satisfaction [2]. Similarly, literature on consumer behavior notes that qualities that become functional benefits provide a greater level of consumer satisfaction [49, 50] and can be part of a product's design and aesthetic. Likewise, the functional benefit attained by the tourist through the qualities of a place could improve tourist satisfaction [5]. From this perspective, the following

**H1.** The functional benefit perceived through the tourist destination has a direct positive

In terms of tourism, the hedonic benefit perceived has a positive effect on tourist satisfaction [2]. From a consumer's perspective, hedonic experiences can increase the level of satisfaction [49]. Hedonic consumers tend to look for pleasurable experiences that increase satisfaction [51]. The enjoyment of leisure experiences influences tourist satisfaction [9]. Similarly, the enjoyment derived from a place's visual attractions [33], could influence the level of tourist satisfaction. From this perspective, the following hypothesis is presented within the context of tourist

**H2.** The hedonic benefit perceived through the tourist destination has a direct positive effect

In terms of tourism, the symbolic benefit perceived has a positive effect on tourist satisfaction [2]. The symbolic benefit attained by the tourist while visiting a destination is related to the level of satisfaction in a direct and positive manner [52]. This positive effect, consequently, has an effect on positive behavior in connection to a place [53]. According to literature on tourism, the symbolic benefit for the tourist could improve significantly the level of satisfaction derived from the destination [54]. So, the link between the symbolic benefit and satisfaction can help improve the perception of hospitality services [55]. In the same vein, the following hypothesis

**H3.** The symbolic benefit perceived through the tourist destination has a direct positive effect

other entails a conceptual outline and transformation [48].

hypothesis is presented within the context of tourist destinations:

*2.2.1. Functional benefit perceived—tourist satisfaction*

38 Mobilities, Tourism and Travel Behavior - Contexts and Boundaries

*2.2.2. Hedonic benefit perceived: tourist satisfaction*

*2.2.3. Symbolic benefit perceived: tourist satisfaction*

is suggested within the context of tourist destinations:

**2.2. Hypothesis development**

effect on tourist satisfaction.

destinations:

on tourist satisfaction.

on tourist satisfaction.

Good cognitive perception of the place is very important for the tourist to attain the expected functional benefit. From a marketing perspective, it has been pointed out that the functional benefit is primarily instrumental and cognitive in nature for the customer [18, 56]. Similarly, literature on consumer behavior has revealed that the functional benefit can be obtained as a response to a cognitive need [28]. In this regard, a good cognitive perception of the qualities and features of the place could improve the attainment of functional benefits by the tourist. From this perspective, the following hypothesis is suggested within the context of tourist destinations:

**H4.** The cognitive perception of a tourist destination has a direct positive effect on the functional benefit perceived by the tourist.
