Behavioral Intentions in Sports Tourism: Meta-Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling

Abstract

This paper addresses fragmentation in sports tourism research, specifically concerning factors influencing behavioral intentions, focusing on key psychological and situational variables. Through a meta-analysis of 18 studies comprising 14,495 observations, drawn from an initial screening of 967 articles listed in the Scopus database, this study investigates the effects of perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, nostalgia, satisfaction, percieved benefit, and percieved risk, on behavioral intentions among general sport tourists.

Two distinct theoretical frameworks were examined to uncover the core drivers of intentions. In the first framework, the analysis revealed that perceived behavioral control (effect size = .58), subjective norms (effect size = .50), and nostalgia (effect size = .43) have a stronger influence on behavioral intentions than attitude or image. This finding suggests that the participatory and socially embedded nature of sport tourism amplifies the impact of practical and social factors. Nostalgia emerged as a particularly strong emotional motivator, as it fosters attachment to past sport experiences and enhances future engagement. Among the components of the Theory of Planned Behavior, perceived behavioral control highlights the significance of practical considerations, such as ease of access and affordability, in shaping tourists’ intentions.

The second framework underscored satisfaction as the most influential predictor of behavioral intentions (effect size = .77), consistent with Expectancy-Disconfirmation Theory, where experiences that meet or exceed expectations lead to future engagement. Perceived benefit (effect size = .50) also played a significant role, indicating that anticipated rewards, such as enjoyment and social connections, positively affect decision-making. In contrast, perceived risk (effect size = -.25) showed a negative effect on behavioral intentions, in line with Prospect Theory, which emphasizes how potential losses deter engagement, particularly in unfamiliar or high-risk settings.

These findings have practical implications for sport tourism management. Enhancing nostalgia, facilitating easy access, and fostering social connections can significantly boost behavioral intentions. Additionally, strategies that prioritize high-quality experiences to maximize satisfaction, while emphasizing perceived benefits and minimizing perceived risks through transparent safety measures, can further encourage positive engagement. Future research should explore specific conditions, such as familiar destinations, group dynamics, and satisfaction-driven contexts, that might enhance the influence of these key factors.