Tourism experience and behavioral intention: A mediated model of host - guest interaction and enjoyment

Abstract

This study examines the effect of host–guest interaction on tourists’ behavioral intentions through perceived enjoyment at the Puncak Siosar 2000 tourist destination in North Sumatra, Indonesia. A quantitative survey method was used to collect data from 115 tourists who visited Puncak Siosar 2000 in 2025. The study analyzes both the direct and indirect effects of host– guest interaction on tourists’ behavioral intentions, with perceived enjoyment as a mediating variable. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied to examine the relationships among the variables. The results show that positive host–guest interactions have a significant effect on tourists’ perceived enjoyment. In addition, perceived enjoyment mediates the relationship between host–guest interaction and tourists’ behavioral intentions, including intentions to revisit and to recommend the destination to others. These findings provide important implications for tourism managers on the role of host–guest interaction in enhancing tourist satisfaction and encouraging repeat visits.