Investigating the Impact of Natural Soundscape on Tourist Satisfaction and Sense of Place Perception in Tourist Destinations (Case Study: Hyrcanian Forests of Gilan)

Beigi, Hamideh; Esmaili, Saeide

doi:10.22080/tmhr.2025.29248.1058

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	Investigating the Impact of Natural Soundscape on Tourist Satisfaction and Sense of Place Perception in Tourist Destinations (Case Study: Hyrcanian Forests of Gilan)
پژوهش های بازاریابی گردشگری و میهمان نوازی
Article 9, Volume 3, Issue 1 - Serial Number 4, March 2025, Pages 197-222 PDF (837.57 K)
Document Type: Original Article
DOI: 10.22080/tmhr.2025.29248.1058
Authors
Hamideh Beigi^* ¹; Saeide Esmaili²
¹University of Guilan
²Department of Tourism Policy and Development, Faculty of Tourism, University of Tehran, Iran
Receive Date: 19 May 2025, Revise Date: 11 June 2025, Accept Date: 12 June 2025
Abstract
Context and Purpose: Despite being an integral part of the multisensory travel experience, soundscapes remain an underexplored aspect of tourism studies. This research investigates the role of natural soundscapes in shaping tourists’ sense of place and overall satisfaction. Focusing on the auditory dimension, the study aims to explore how natural acoustic environments contribute to emotional and perceptual connections with natural heritage destinations. Design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted across three natural heritage sites within the Hyrcanian forests of Gilan Province, Iran-regions renowned for their distinctive natural soundscapes. Employing structural equation modeling (SEM) and bootstrap analysis, a behavioral model was tested to examine the relationships between tourists’ attitudes toward natural soundscapes, their perceived image of these soundscapes, and the resulting impact on tourist satisfaction and sense of place. Data were gathered through a combination of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews involving 30 expert stakeholders and 248 visiting tourists. Findings: The results demonstrate that natural soundscapes significantly enhance tourist satisfaction and strengthen emotional bonds with the environment, contributing positively to the sense of place. Furthermore, auditory expectations were found to play a crucial role in shaping tourists' overall satisfaction and their intentions for future visits. Conclusion: Natural soundscapes emerge as influential elements in both tourists’ perceptual experiences and destination loyalty. Enhancing these auditory components and reducing anthropogenic noise can lead to more meaningful, satisfying, and sustainable tourism experiences. Originality/value: This study makes a pioneering contribution by positioning soundscapes as a central element in destination management and tourism experience design. It introduces theoretical insights and practical recommendations for leveraging natural auditory environments to support regional tourism development and sustainable resource management.
Keywords
Soundscape; Sense of Place in Tourism; Destination Image; Hyrcanian Forests; Gilan Province

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Investigating the Impact of Natural Soundscape on Tourist Satisfaction and Sense of Place Perception in Tourist Destinations (Case Study: Hyrcanian Forests of Gilan)