The Mediating Role of Satisfaction between Tourists’ Engagement and Revisit Intention: A Case Study of Immersive Tourism Experience on Pingtan Island, China

Background and Aim: In immersive tourism, enhancing tourists’ engagement and satisfaction is essential for fostering sustainable destination development. However, empirical evidence on how immersive experiences shape tourists’ psychological responses remains limited. This study investigates the effects of tourists' engagement on revisit intention, with a particular focus on the mediating role of satisfaction. The research was conducted at Pingtan Island, China, where immersive technologies are integrated into the tourism experience. Materials and Methods: A quantitative research design was employed. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 401 onsite tourists using convenience sampling. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used to examine the relationships among tourists’ engagement, satisfaction, and revisit intention. Model fit indices (CFI = 0.962, RMSEA = 0.045) confirmed a satisfactory model, with revisit intention explained at 63%. Results: The findings reveal that tourists' engagement significantly influences both satisfaction and revisit intention. Furthermore, satisfaction was found to mediate the relationship between engagement and revisit intention, indicating a strong psychological mechanism in immersive tourism contexts. Conclusion: This study highlights the pivotal role of immersive engagement in driving tourists’ behavioral intentions. The mediating role of satisfaction provides valuable insights for tourism stakeholders aiming to enhance revisit behavior through immersive digital experiences.