Conceptualizing the Relationships between Resident-Tourist Interaction, Emotional Solidarity and Destination Image

This research examines the resident tourist interaction (RTI) and emotional solidarity (ES) on the destination image (DI) of Sri Lanka. Research objectives are to 1) understand the nature of the DI of Sri Lanka; 2) examine the impact of resident tourist interaction on the destination image of Sri Lanka, and 3) conceptualize the mediating impact of emotional solidarity on the relationship between resident tourist interaction and DI. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 151 international tourists selected using judgmental and convenience sampling. Findings revealed that tourists hold a favourable perception of Sri Lanka and that RTI have an impact on both the DI and ES. Further, ES was found to have an impact on DI. Importantly, the findings contributed to the theory by revealing that the ES mediates the relationship between RTI and DI.