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Research on the Relationship Among Perceived Experience, Satisfaction, and Happiness in the Whole Process of Self-Driving Tourism

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  • Hai Yan

    (College of Metropolitan Transportation, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China)

  • Fan Wu

    (College of Metropolitan Transportation, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China)

  • Mingyang Hao

    (College of Metropolitan Transportation, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China)

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between perceived quality and happiness among self-driving tourists, focusing on the impact of the self-driving journey and sightseeing stages on multi-stage satisfaction and happiness. An online survey was conducted, and a Structural Equation Model (SEM) of perceived quality, satisfaction, and happiness was constructed to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that overall satisfaction with the self-driving experience significantly affects tourists’ happiness, with the indirect effect of attraction satisfaction being particularly notable. Perceived quality indirectly influences happiness by enhancing satisfaction, with key factors including unique attractions, guide services, and innovative entertainment products. Additionally, the development of self-driving parking facilities, public information dissemination, road key nodes and scenery design, and vehicle intelligence levels are critical to enhancing tourists’ happiness. This study provides a theoretical basis for improving the overall tourism experience.

Suggested Citation

  • Hai Yan & Fan Wu & Mingyang Hao, 2025. "Research on the Relationship Among Perceived Experience, Satisfaction, and Happiness in the Whole Process of Self-Driving Tourism," Tourism and Hospitality, MDPI, vol. 6(2), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jtourh:v:6:y:2025:i:2:p:87-:d:1657192
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eby, David W. & Molnar, Lisa J., 2002. "Importance of scenic byways in route choice: a survey of driving tourists in the United States," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 95-106, February.
    2. Adisak Suvittawat, 2024. "Exploring Customer Experience Drivers in Night Markets: Examining the Roles of Product Preference, Service Quality, and Facility Accessibility," Tourism and Hospitality, MDPI, vol. 5(4), pages 1-16, December.
    3. Xuehuan He & Lujun Su & Scott R. Swanson, 2020. "The service quality to subjective well-being of Chinese tourists connection: a model with replications," Current Issues in Tourism, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(16), pages 2076-2092, August.
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