Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment
Electric Power University, Vietnam
University of Labor and Social Affairs, Vietnam
This research addresses the question of how emotional engagement mediates the relationship between perceived authenticity (objective, constructive, and existential) and tourist satisfaction at cultural festivals, filling a gap in understanding the psychological processes underpinning tourist experiences, particularly in Vietnam. The purpose of the study was to explore the role of emotional engagement in linking authenticity dimensions to satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of personalized and meaningful experiences. Using a quantitative methodology, the research employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze survey data collected from 369 participants at three Vietnamese cultural festivals. The findings reveal that emotional engagement significantly mediates the relationship between perceived authenticity and tourist satisfaction, with existential authenticity having the strongest impact on emotional engagement. These results highlight the critical role of emotional and personal connections in shaping tourist satisfaction and underscore the importance of designing festivals that foster immersive, emotionally engaging, and authentic experiences. The study provides valuable insights for festival organizers and destination managers to enhance tourist satisfaction and promote cultural tourism.
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