Using destination to support domestic tourism: the moderated mediation effect of residency length

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of destination accessibility on pro-tourism behaviour directly and indirectly through environmental impacts and/or affective destination image from residents’ point of view. It also investigates the moderated mediation effect of residency length in the indirect relationships between destination accessibility and pro-tourism behaviour through the negative environmental impacts or affective destination image. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative method was applied. More specifically, the survey approach was found to be the most effective method of data collection for this research. In total, 351 questionnaires were collected through an online survey from people who currently live in Alexandria. The questionnaire was translated into Arabic while adhering to back-translation guidelines. SPSS and AMOS software were used to analyse the collected data. Findings The results showed that residents’ destination accessibility affects both destination image and destination environment but does not affect the pro-tourism behaviour. It indirectly affects the pro-tourism behaviour through only affective destination image. Residency length plays a moderation role in this indirect relationship. Practical implications The current study can help policymakers, governments and tourism institutions to make decisions. Policymakers can use these results to adopt a comprehensive policy that encompasses different interested parties in tourism, in order to ensure that tourism development efforts will succeed. The government can also join hands with tourism institutions to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism in order to balance the negative and positive impacts of tourism. Originality/value The study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of destination accessibility to support tourism behaviours in domestic tourism.