Effective factors on tourist satisfaction with the quality of ecotourism destination: evidence from Iran

The development of ecotourism has increased the importance of research on the factors affecting tourist satisfaction with the quality of ecotourism destinations. The present study assessed these effective factors in Bisheh waterfall, Iran. The sample taken electronically included 300 questionnaires. For data analysis, factor analysis and the stepwise multiple regression method were used. The results show that feeling safe and secure in the area was recognized as the most essential efficient factor in satisfaction with a positive and significant effect. Then, infrastructure and welfare facilities, travel expenses, quality of food and snacks, tourist accommodation guidance and management, destination access, the natural beauty of the area, and hospitality were also in the following ranks of importance, respectively. Based on the coefficient of determination (R2), 40.1% of the variation in the overall satisfaction of tourists was explained by the eight factors. This study provided suggestions for better planning for tourist satisfaction by considering the environmental sensitivities of ecotourism sites. Finally, the present research revealed the importance of maintaining the balance between tourist satisfaction and sustainable development in ecotourism destinations.