Destination attributes for grandtravel: scale development and validation

Purpose This study identifies destination attributes shaping grandtravel experiences and develops a measurement scale for this intergenerational travel context. Design/methodology/approach A four-stage scale development procedure was employed. Destination attributes were generated through a literature review and interviews with 60 Chinese grandparents, refined through expert evaluation and exploratory factor analysis (n = 904), and validated using confirmatory factor analysis and structural modeling on a separate sample (n = 782). Findings The results reveal a 13-dimensional destination attribute structure comprising 45 items. The scale demonstrates strong reliability and validity, including content, convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity. The findings show that destination attributes influence word-of-mouth intentions through positive and negative emotional responses. Research limitations/implications This study extends destination attribute research by introducing a context-specific measurement framework for grandtravel and applying family systems theory and the stimulus–organism–response framework to an intergenerational tourism context. Originality/value This study is among the first to develop and validate a multidimensional destination attribute scale for grandtravel. By incorporating caregiving and intergenerational considerations into destination evaluation, it provides a foundation for future research and destination management.