From Intention to Actual Choice: An Extended TRA Model Using Structural Equation Modeling

Main Article Content

Ho Dinh Phi, Hien Vo Thi Dieu

Abstract

This study develops and empirically validates a structural equation model explaining the transition from behavioral intention to actual destination choice. Grounded in the Theory of Reasoned Action and extended by incorporating perceived behavioral control into the attitudinal formation process, the proposed framework integrates psychological, social, and informational determinants within a unified analytical model. Using survey data from 360 tourists and applying covariance-based structural equation modeling with bootstrap estimation, the results confirm satisfactory measurement validity and structural stability. Model fit indices (CMIN/df = 1.931; CFI = 0.917; RMSEA = 0.051) indicate acceptable goodness-of-fit. All hypothesized relationships are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. The findings demonstrate that behavioral intention mediates the relationship between evaluative constructs and actual destination choice, while word-of-mouth exerts both direct and indirect effects. By positioning perceived behavioral control as an antecedent of attitude, the study provides an analytical refinement of intention-based behavioral models. The proposed framework contributes to applied structural modeling research by offering an empirically validated mechanism linking psychological evaluation to observable decision outcomes.

Article Details

References

  1. P. Nguyen, Khanh Hoa Focuses on Developing Sea Tourism, Nhan Dan Newspaper (2024). https://nhandan.vn/khanh-hoa-tap-trung-phat-trien-du-lich-bien-post702827.html. (In Vietnamese).
  2. I. Ajzen, M. Fishbein, Understanding Attitudes and Predicting Social Behaviour, Prentice-Hall Inc., 1980.
  3. B.H. Sheppard, J. Hartwick, P.R. Warshaw, The Theory of Reasoned Action: A Meta-Analysis of Past Research with Recommendations for Modifications and Future Research, J. Consum. Res. 15 (1988), 325-343. https://doi.org/10.1086/209170.
  4. I. Ajzen, The Theory of Planned Behavior, Organ. Behav. Hum. Decis. Process. 50 (1991), 179-211. https://doi.org/10.1016/0749-5978(91)90020-T.
  5. B. Sparks, G.W. Pan, Chinese Outbound Tourists: Understanding Their Attitudes, Constraints and Use of Information Sources, Tour. Manag. 30 (2009), 483-494. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2008.10.014.
  6. F. La Barbera, I. Ajzen, Moderating Role of Perceived Behavioral Control in the Theory of Planned Behavior: A Preregistered Study, J. Theor. Soc. Psychol. 5 (2021), 35-45. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts5.83.
  7. D.M. Yusuf, Z. Zulfitri, Effect of Attitude Mediating Subjective Norm, Perceived Behaviour Control, and Perceived Ease of Use on Online Purchase Intention Fashion Product Category, Eur. J. Bus. Manag. Res. 6 (2021), 266-270. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejbmr.2021.6.6.1135.
  8. R. Tinsley, P. Lynch, Small Tourism Business Networks and Destination Development, Int. J. Hosp. Manag. 20 (2001), 367-378. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0278-4319(01)00024-x.
  9. N. Leiper, Tourism Management, RMIT Press, Melbourne, 1995.
  10. S. Medlik, Dictionary of Travel, Tourism and Hospitality, Taylor & Francis, 2012.
  11. V. Briciu, Differences between Place Branding and Destination Branding for Local Brand Strategy Development, Bull. Transilv. Univ. Brașov, Ser. VII: Soc. Sci. 6 (2013), 9-14.
  12. H. Qu, L.H. Kim, H.H. Im, A Model of Destination Branding: Integrating the Concepts of the Branding and Destination Image, Tour. Manag. 32 (2011), 465-476. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2010.03.014.
  13. A.P. Mat Som, A. Marzuki, M. Yousefi, A.N. AbuKhalifeh, Factors Influencing Visitors’ Revisit Behavioral Intentions: A Case Study of Sabah, Malaysia, Int. J. Mark. Stud. 4 (2012), 39-50. https://doi.org/10.5539/ijms.v4n4p39.
  14. S. Robbins, Organizational Behavior, Prentice Hall, 2001.
  15. L. Bergkvist, The Role of Confidence in Attitude–Intention and Beliefs–Attitude Relationships, Int. J. Advert. 28 (2009), 863-880. https://doi.org/10.2501/S026504870920093X.
  16. N.A. Rosli, Z. Zainuddin, M.Y. Yusliza, Z. Muhammad, et al., Moderating Effect of Perceived Behavioural Control on Tourists’ Revisit Intention in Island Tourism Industry: A Conceptual Model, J. Environ. Manag. Tour. 13 (2022), 2230-2239. https://doi.org/10.14505/jemt.13.8(64).15.
  17. N.T. Hue, Factors Influencing the Intentions and Attitudes of Young People to Shop Online on Facebook in the Digital Transformation Era, Ind. Trade J. (2023). https://tapchicongthuong.vn/cac-yeu-to-anh-huong-den-y-dinh-va-thai-do-mua-sam-truc-tuyen-tren-facebook-cua-gioi-tre-trong-thoi-dai-chuyen-doi-so-113067.htm. (In Vietnamese).
  18. N.T. Kerman, S.K. Banihashem, O. Noroozi, The Relationship Among Students’ Attitude Towards Peer Feedback, Peer Feedback Performance, and Uptake, in: O. Noroozi, B. De Wever, (eds) The Power of Peer Learning, Social Interaction in Learning and Development, Springer, Cham, (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-29411-2_16.
  19. K.F. Nugrahaningrum, D.K. Rouw, E. Raharja, The Effect of Perception of Benefits, Ease of Use, Trust on the Decision to Use QRIS with Attitude as an Intervening Variable, in: Proceeding of International Management Conference and Progressive Papers, pp. 82–91, 2024.
  20. S. Um, J.L. Crompton, Attitude Determinants in Tourism Destination Choice, Ann. Tour. Res. 17 (1990), 432-448. https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-7383(90)90008-F.
  21. M. Konecnik, W.C. Gartner, Customer-Based Brand Equity for a Destination, Ann. Tour. Res. 34 (2007), 400-421. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2006.10.005.
  22. V.A. Zeithaml, M.J. Bitner, D.D. Gremler, Services Marketing: Integrating Customer Focus Across the Firm, McGraw-Hill, 2018.
  23. G.A. Abbasi, J. Kumaravelu, Y. Goh, K.S. Dara Singh, Understanding the Intention to Revisit a Destination by Expanding the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), Span. J. Mark. - ESIC 25 (2021), 282-311. https://doi.org/10.1108/sjme-12-2019-0109.
  24. N. Souiden, R. Ladhari, N.E. Chiadmi, Destination Personality and Destination Image, J. Hosp. Tour. Manag. 32 (2017), 54-70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2017.04.003.
  25. E. Ervina, V. Octaviany, The Role of Tourist Attitude Toward Destination Awareness, Destination Personality and Future Visit Intention, Asia Pac. Manag. Bus. Appl. 011 (2022), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.21776/ub.apmba.2022.011.01.1.
  26. T.D. Le, T.A. Le, P.H. Nguyen, Y.T.P. Ho, B.H.P. Le, Factors Affecting the Decision of Selecting a Destination for International Tourists at the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Site, GeoJ. Tour. Geosites 51 (2023), 1663-1675. https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.514spl08-1163.
  27. I.G.A. Febrianto, M.F. Anggani, N.W.C. Pinaria, The Influence of Attitudes and Subjective Norms of Domestic Millennial Tourists on the Intention to Stay at an Environmentally-Friendly Hotel, J. Tour. Sustain. 4 (2024), 8-16. https://doi.org/10.35313/jtospolban.v4i1.109.
  28. L. Listiawati, L. Sulivyo, F.M. Dewi, A. Arsadi, Tourist Revisit Intention in Post COVID-19 Pandemic: A Modified Perspective from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) with a Focus on Destination Image, J. Revolusi Ekon. Bisn. 7 (2024), 1-10.
  29. M. Fishbein, I. Ajzen, Belief, Attitude, Intention and Behavior: An Introduction to Theory and Research, Addison-Wesley, 1975.
  30. R.B. Cialdini, R.R. Reno, C.A. Kallgren, A Focus Theory of Normative Conduct: Recycling the Concept of Norms to Reduce Littering in Public Places, J. Pers. Soc. Psychol. 58 (1990), 1015-1026. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.58.6.1015.
  31. J.R. Smith, W.R. Louis, Group Norms and the Attitude–Behaviour Relationship, Soc. Personal. Psychol. Compass 3 (2009), 19-35. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2008.00161.x.
  32. B.W. Husted, D.B. Allen, Corporate Social Strategy in Multinational Enterprises: Antecedents and Value Creation, J. Bus. Ethics 74 (2007), 345-361. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-007-9511-4.
  33. J.J. Hillhouse, Modeling Tanning Salon Behavioral Tendencies Using Appearance Motivation, Self-monitoring and the Theory of Planned Behavior, Health Educ. Res. 15 (2000), 405-414. https://doi.org/10.1093/her/15.4.405.
  34. R. Pawlak, B. Malinauskas, The Use of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Assess Predictors of Intention to Eat Fruits Among 9th-Grade Students Attending Two Public High Schools in Eastern North Carolina, Fam. Consum. Sci. Res. J. 37 (2008), 16-26. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077727X08322778.
  35. R. Nicoletta, R. Servidio, Tourists' Opinions and Their Selection of Tourism Destination Images: An Affective and Motivational Evaluation, Tour. Manag. Perspect. 4 (2012), 19-27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2012.04.004.
  36. E.H. Kessler, Encyclopedia of Management Theory, SAGE Publications Inc., 2013.
  37. T.F. Yean, J. Johari, A.F.M. Sukery, The Influence of Attitude, Subjective Norms, and Perceived Behavioural Control on Intention to Return to Work: A Case of SOCSO’s Insured Employees, Kajian Malays. 33 (2015), 141-154.
  38. C. Bianchi, S. Milberg, A. Cuneo, Understanding Travelers' Intentions to Visit a Short versus Long-Haul Emerging Vacation Destination: The Case of Chile, Tour. Manag. 59 (2017), 312-324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2016.08.013.
  39. K. Hasan, S.K. Abdullah, F. Islam, N.M. Neela, An Integrated Model for Examining Tourists’ Revisit Intention to Beach Tourism Destinations, J. Qual. Assur. Hosp. Tour. 21 (2020), 716-737. https://doi.org/10.1080/1528008X.2020.1740134.
  40. X. Jiang, J. Qin, J. Gao, M.G. Gossage, How Tourists’ Perception Affects Travel Intention: Mechanism Pathways and Boundary Conditions, Front. Psychol. 13 (2022), 821364. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.821364.
  41. A. Wasaya, C. Prentice, A. Hsiao, The Influence of Norms on Tourist Behavioural Intentions, J. Hosp. Tour. Manag. 50 (2022), 277-287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2022.02.023.
  42. R. Syarif, S. Lenggogeni, V., Analysis of Travel Intentions in Tourists with Disabilities: Study of Constraints, Subjective Norms, Attitude and Perceived Behavioral Control, J. Econ. Financ. Manag. Stud. 07 (2024), 2056-2073. https://doi.org/10.47191/jefms/v7-i4-30.
  43. L.J. Harrison-Walker, The Measurement of Word-of-Mouth Communication and an Investigation of Service Quality and Customer Commitment as Potential Antecedents, J. Serv. Res. 4 (2001), 60-75. https://doi.org/10.1177/109467050141006.
  44. M.E. Abd-Elaziz, W.M. Aziz, G.S. Khalifa, M. AbdelAleem, Determinants of Electronic Word-of-Mouth (EWOM) Influence Hotel Customers’ Purchasing Decision, J. Fac. Tour. Hotels 9 (2015), 194-223.
  45. K.B. Murray, A Test of Services Marketing Theory: Consumer Information Acquisition Activities, J. Mark. 55 (1991), 10-25. https://doi.org/10.1177/002224299105500102.
  46. J. van Doorn, K.N. Lemon, V. Mittal, S. Nass, D. Pick, et al., Customer Engagement Behavior: Theoretical Foundations and Research Directions, J. Serv. Res. 13 (2010), 253-266. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094670510375599.
  47. G.S. Day, Attitude Change, Media and Word of Mouth, J. Advert. Res. 11 (1971), 31-40. https://doi.org/10.1080/00218499.1971.12519087.
  48. P.M. Herr, F.R. Kardes, J. Kim, Effects of Word-of-Mouth and Product-Attribute Information on Persuasion: An Accessibility-Diagnosticity Perspective, J. Consum. Res. 17 (1991), 454-462. https://doi.org/10.1086/208570.
  49. R.N. Laczniak, T.E. DeCarlo, S.N. Ramaswami, Consumers’ Responses to Negative Word-of-Mouth Communication: An Attribution Theory Perspective, J. Consum. Psychol. 11 (2001), 57-73. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327663JCP1101_5.
  50. R. Grewal, T.W. Cline, A. Davies, Early‐Entrant Advantage, Word‐of‐Mouth Communication, Brand Similarity, and the Consumer Decision‐Making Process, J. Consum. Psychol. 13 (2003), 187-197. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327663JCP1303_01.
  51. T.M.Y. Lin, P. Luarn, Y.K. Huang, Effect of Internet Book Reviews on Purchase Intention: A Focus Group Study, J. Acad. Librariansh. 31 (2005), 461-468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2005.05.008.
  52. T.W. Gruen, T. Osmonbekov, A.J. Czaplewski, eWOM: The Impact of Customer-to-Customer Online Know-How Exchange on Customer Value and Loyalty, J. Bus. Res. 59 (2006), 449-456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2005.10.004.
  53. M. Söderlund, S. Rosengren, Receiving Word-of-Mouth from the Service Customer: An Emotion-Based Effectiveness Assessment, J. Retail. Consum. Serv. 14 (2007), 123-136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2006.10.001.
  54. C. Chen, D. Tsai, How Destination Image and Evaluative Factors Affect Behavioral Intentions?, Tour. Manag. 28 (2007), 1115-1122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2006.07.007.
  55. M.R. Jalilvand, N. Samiei, The Impact of Electronic Word of Mouth on a Tourism Destination Choice: Testing the theory of planned behavior (TPB), Internet Res. 22 (2012), 591-612. https://doi.org/10.1108/10662241211271563.
  56. J. Gosal, E. Andajani, S. Rahayu, The Effect of e-WOM on Travel Intention, Travel Decision, City Image, and Attitude to Visit a Tourism City, in: Proceedings of the 17th International Symposium on Management (INSYMA 2020), Atlantis Press, 2020. https://doi.org/10.2991/aebmr.k.200127.053.
  57. D.H. Alsheikh, N. Abd Aziz, L.H. Alsheikh, The Impact of Electronic Word of Mouth on Tourists Visit Intention to Saudi Arabia: Argument Quality and Source Credibility as Mediators, Afr. J. Hosp. Tour. Leis. 10(4) (2021), 1152-1168. https://doi.org/10.46222/ajhtl.19770720.154.
  58. F. Aprilia, A. Kusumawati, Influence of Electronic Word of Mouth on Visitors’ Interest in Tourism Destinations, J. Asian Finance Econ. Bus. 8 (2021), 993-1003.
  59. T. Cuong, N.T.N. Anh, The Influence of Electronic Word of Mouth on Travel Intention: The Role of Destination Image, and Attitude, Multidiscip. Sci. J. 8 (2025), 2026177. https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2026177.
  60. O. Kandou, L.J. Rumokoy, The Influence of Electronic Word of Mouth, Perceived Price, and Experiential Urgency on Intention to Visit Tourist Destinations in Tomohon City among Emerging Adults from Manado, Formosa J. Appl. Sci. 4 (2025), 3711-3724. https://doi.org/10.55927/fjas.v4i11.439.
  61. I. Im, S. Hong, M.S. Kang, An International Comparison of Technology Adoption, Inf. Manag. 48 (2011), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2010.09.001.
  62. C. Martins, T. Oliveira, A. Popovic, Understanding the Internet Banking Adoption: A Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and Perceived Risk Application, Int. J. Inf. Manage. 34 (2014), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2013.06.002.
  63. T. Escobar-Rodríguez, E. Carvajal-Trujillo, Online Purchasing Tickets for Low Cost Carriers: An Application of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) Model, Tour. Manag. 43 (2014), 70-88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2014.01.017.
  64. J. Arenas-Gaitan, B. Peral, M.A. Jerónimo, Elderly and Internet Banking: An Application of UTAUT2, J. Internet Bank. Commer. 20 (2015), 1-23.
  65. D.T. Cuong, The Impact of Promotion and Price Perception on Buying Decision and Repurchase Intention Through Online Shopping, in: R. Silhavy, (eds) Artificial Intelligence in Intelligent Systems, Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, Vol 229, Springer, Cham, (2021).
  66. A.M.A. Suyanto, D.G. Dewi, Marketing Mix on Purchase Intention and Its Impact on the Decision to Purchase Somethinc Products, Int. J. Prof. Bus. Rev. 8 (2023), e03779. https://doi.org/10.26668/businessreview/2023.v8i10.3779.
  67. N.W.M. Satyarini, M. Rahmanita, S. Setarnawat, The Influence of Destination Image on Tourist Intention and Decision to Visit Tourist Destination (a Case Study of Pemuteran Village in Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia), Tour. Res. J. 1 (2017), 81-97. https://doi.org/10.30647/trj.v1i1.10.
  68. H.T. Xinh, Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior in Studying the Decision of International Tourists’ Travel Behavior at Hoi An Destination, J. Sci. Technol. - Duy Tan Univ. 4 (2023), 94-104. (In Vietnamese).
  69. F.W. Asiku, T. Dewi, A. Hermawan, The Influence of Destination Image on Revisit Intention and Word of Mouth Through Satisfaction: Study on Tourism Pulo Love Eco Resort, Boalemo District, Southeast Asia J. Contemp. Bus. Econ. Law 23 (2020), 125-134.
  70. D. Gefen, E.E. Rigdon, D. Straub, An Update and Extension to SEM Guidelines for Administrative and Social Science Research, MIS Q. 35 (2011), iii–xiv.
  71. G. Dash, J. Paul, CB-SEM vs PLS-SEM Methods for Research in Social Sciences and Technology Forecasting, Technol. Forecast. Soc. Change 173 (2021), 121092. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121092.
  72. B.K. Sarker, D.K. Sarker, S.R. Shaha, D. Saha, S. Sarker, Why Apply SPSS, SmartPLS and AMOS: An Essential Quantitative Data Analysis Tool for Business and Social Science Research Investigations, Int. J. Res. Innov. Soc. Sci. VIII (2024), 2688-2699. https://doi.org/10.47772/ijriss.2024.8090224.
  73. J.F. Hair, R.E. Anderson, R.L. Tatham, W.C. Black, Multivariate Data Analysis, Prentice Hall, 2006.
  74. R.B. Kline, Principles and Practice of Structural Equation Modeling, Guilford Press, 2011.
  75. J.C. Nunnally, I.H. Bernstein, Psychometric Theory, McGraw-Hill, 1994.
  76. P.M. Bentler, D.G. Bonett, Significance Tests and Goodness of Fit in the Analysis of Covariance Structures, Psychol. Bull. 88 (1980), 588-606. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.88.3.588.
  77. R.P. Bagozzi, Y. Yi, On the Evaluation of Structural Equation Models, J. Acad. Mark. Sci. 16 (1988), 74-94. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02723327.
  78. L.T. Hu, P.M. Bentler, Evaluating Model Fit, in: R.H. Hoyle, (ed) Structural Equation Modeling: Concepts, Issues, and Applications, Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA, pp. 76-99, (1995).
  79. W.W. Chin, P.A. Todd, On the Use, Usefulness, and Ease of Use of Structural Equation Modeling in MIS Research: A Note of Caution, MIS Q. 19 (1995), 237-246.
  80. M.W. Browne, R. Cudeck, Alternative Ways of Assessing Model Fit, in: K.A. Bollen, J.S. Long, (eds) Testing Structural Equation Models, Sage Publications, Newbury Park, CA, 136-162, (1993).
  81. J.C. Anderson, D.W. Gerbing, Structural Equation Modeling in Practice: A Review and Recommended Two-Step Approach, Psychol. Bull. 103 (1988), 411-423. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.103.3.411.
  82. R.E. Schumacker, R.G. Lomax, A Beginner’s Guide to Structural Equation Modeling, Routledge, 2010.