Push and pull motivations as predictors of satisfaction and loyalty in coastal cities: a study in Lima, Peru

Cities with coastal characteristics bring together a set of natural and cultural activities that attract tourists. Therefore, knowing tourism demand in these destinations is crucial to improve visitors’ experience. The objectives of this study were (i) to identify the push and pull motivational dimensions that influence tourist behavior in a coastal city and (ii) to analyze the push and pull motivational dimensions that predict return, their intentions to recommend and speak positive things about the destination. A quantitative study of 381 surveys was conducted in Lima, a city on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Factor analysis was used to examine the data, reduce and better interpret the motivational variables. Also, the step-by-step multiple regression technique was used to find the motivational variables related the motivations that predict future behavior variables. The results revealed that the motivational dimensions in coastal cities are: novelty and escape (push), coastal and marine activities (pull), and learning and experience (push). Furthermore, ‘learning and experience’ (push) and ‘coastal and marine activities’ (pull) are the most important predictors of the intentions to return and recommend the destination. This study contributes to the academic literature by offering information to create action guides for tourist destination managers.