Predictors of landscape preferences in large hotel complex tourism

<h2>Abstract</h2> This study analyses the landscape preferences of large hotel complex tourism in Cuba using an approach based on the classic Kaplan (1989) matrix, expanding it with two complementary variables ("Sense of Being Away" and "Aesthetic Appeal"). The objectives of the study include, firstly, verifying whether the variables of the proposed model are valid determinants of landscape preferences. Secondly, studying the relationships between these variables and the Construction Intensity (associated with the different types of hotel complexes). And finally, to determine the ideal set of factors to predict landscape preferences. To this end, undergraduate and postgraduate students in Spain and Brazil were surveyed regarding their landscape preferences using photographs of landscapes with and without tourist constructions. The results indicate that Aesthetic Appeal is the variable that correlates best with General Preference, followed by Mystery and Harmony, while Diversity shows the weakest correlation. Another relevant finding is that the behaviour of the six variables of the "extended Kaplan" model is affected by Construction Intensity, with the models that include this variable having the greatest explanatory power. Finally, the model with the highest predictive ability for General Preference combines Harmony, Aesthetic Appeal and Mystery. The results support the strength of the proposed "extended Kaplan" model and the relative importance of considering Construction Intensity in landscape preference analyses. It is perceived that there is a need for enhanced landscape integration of tourism developments to unite customer satisfaction with landscape conservation.