Satisfaction and Emotional Responses as Factors in Behavioral Intentions of New Guests of DOT-Accredited Ecotourism Destinations in Western Visayas

This study analyzed the level of satisfaction of first-time visit customers of DOT-accredited ecotourism destinations in Western Visayas. The Philippines in terms of the service environment, product and service quality, and their response to those mentioned earlier or their behavioral intention (intention to return, switch, or recommend) towards the overall experience. There were specific issues that the researchers focused on; these were the managerial implications that the researchers wanted to develop and the ways how to be of help to existing and upcoming ecotourism sites in handling niche ecotourism destinations, especially about their managerial skills and capabilities. The researchers gathered the data through survey questionnaires, applying purposive and quota sampling to select targeted respondents. The result showed that new guests were satisfied and positively responded to ecotourism destinations. They would most likely recommend the selected Department of Tourism accredited ecotourism destinations in Western Visayas and prove that they have exceeded their expectations.