From HTQA to WOM: An S-O-R Model in Chinese Honeymoon Tourism
Authors
Azman Hashim International Business School, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia – Kampus Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
Azman Hashim International Business School, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia – Kampus Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
Article Information
DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.10100600
Subject Category: Social science
Volume/Issue: 10/1 | Page No: 7734-7745
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2026-01-29
Accepted: 2026-02-03
Published: 2026-02-19
Abstract
This study investigates the development and dynamics of the honeymoon tourism industry, with a specific focus on the rapidly expanding Chinese market. Grounded in the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) theoretical framework, this research constructs a conceptual model to address existing gaps in understanding how honeymoon tourism quality attributes (HTQA) influence memorable tourism experience (MTE) and future word-of-mouth (WOM) intentions. Within this model, HTQA is positioned as an external stimulus that directly affects MTE (the organismic response), thereby shaping subsequent WOM intention (the behavioral response). By integrating HTQA, MTE, and post-travel behavioral intention into a unified conceptual framework, this study enriches the existing theoretical system in tourism research. Drawing on theoretical perspectives from honeymoon tourism research, it offers a structured analytical framework for examining the critical role of service and product quality in shaping lifelong travel experiences and consumer advocacy.
Keywords
HTQA, MTE, WOM, S-O-R Theory
Downloads
References
1. Bertella, G. (2018). Celebrating the family abroad: The wedding tourism experience. In Children, Families and Leisure (pp. 223-239). Routledge. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
2. Buhalis, D. (2000). Marketing the competitive destination of the future. Tourism Management, 21(1), 97-116. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
3. Bulcroft, K., Smeins, L. E., & Bulcroft, R. (1999). Romancing the honeymoon: Consummating marriage in modern society. (No Title). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
4. Business Research INSIGHTS. (2024). Honeymoon Tourism Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Below 7 days, 8~ 14 days and Above 14 days), By Application (Below 20 Years, 20-30 Years, 30-40 Years, 40-50 Years and Above 50 Years), and Regional Forecast to 2032. https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/honeymoon-tourism-market-117403 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
5. Chen, G., Fung So, K. K., Poomchaisuwan, M., & Hu, X. (2020). Examining affection-based travel: Development and validation of a measurement scale for honeymooners’ motivation. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdmm.2020.100452 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
6. Chen, G., So, K. K. F., Hu, X., & Poomchaisuwan, M. (2021). Travel for Affection: A Stimulus-Organism-Response Model of Honeymoon Tourism Experiences. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 46(6), 1187-1219. https://doi.org/10.1177/10963480211011720 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
7. Chen, X., Cheng, Z.-f., & Kim, G.-B. (2020). Make it memorable: Tourism experience, fun, recommendation and revisit intentions of Chinese outbound tourists. Sustainability, 12(5), 1904. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
8. China Tourism Academy. (2018). The China tourism Academy and the Ctrip jointly released the 2018 Spring festival holiday outbound travel trend forecast (in Chinese). Retrieved September 6, 2019. http://www.ctaweb.org/html/2018-2/2018-2-2-11-25-10123.html [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
9. Cong, L. C. (2016). A formative model of the relationship between destination quality, tourist satisfaction and intentional loyalty: An empirical test in Vietnam. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 26, 50-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2015.12.002 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
10. Ctrip. (2017). Ctrip released the 2017 honeymoon tourism consumption report (in Chinese). Retrieved September 6, 2019. http://www.tripvivid.com/articles/10478 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
11. Dodds, W. B., Monroe, K. B., & Grewal, D. (1991). Effects of price, brand, and store information on buyers’ product evaluations. Journal of marketing research, 28(3), 307-319. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
12. Eroglu, S. A., Machleit, K. A., & Davis, L. M. (2003). Empirical testing of a model of online store atmospherics and shopper responses. Psychology & Marketing, 20(2), 139-150. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
13. Fakfare, P., & Lee, J.-S. (2019). Developing and Validating a Scale for Multidimensional Attributes of Honeymoon Tourism. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 43(8), 1199-1224. https://doi.org/10.1177/1096348019850279 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
14. Fakfare, P., Lee, J.-S., & Ryu, K. (2020). Examining honeymoon tourist behavior: multidimensional quality, fantasy, and destination relational value. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 37(7), 836-853. https://doi.org/10.1080/10548408.2020.1835786 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
15. Feng. (2019). Research on the Current Situation and Countermeasures of Honeymoon Tourism Market Development in Shenyang. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
16. Formica, S., & Uysal, M. (2006). Destination Attractiveness Based on Supply and Demand Evaluations: An Analytical Framework. Journal of Travel Research, 44(4), 418-430. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287506286714 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
17. Gearing, C. E., Swart, W. W., & Var, T. (1974). Establishing a measure of touristic attractiveness. Journal of Travel Research, 12(4), 1-8. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
18. Global Market Insights. (2024). Honeymoon Tourism Market Size - By Experience, By Duration, By Age Group, By Budget, By Destination, By Booking Mode, Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2024 - 2032. https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/honeymoon-tourism-market [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
19. GRAND VIEW RESEARCH. (2024). Honeymoon Tourism Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type, By Duration, By Age Group, By Budget (Luxury, Mid-range, Low-range), By Destination, By Booking Mode, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030. https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/honeymoon-tourism-market [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
20. Hoang, S. D., Dey, S. K., Tučková, Z., & Pham, T. P. (2023). Harnessing the power of virtual reality: Enhancing telepresence and inspiring sustainable travel intentions in the tourism industry. Technology in Society, 75, 102378. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
21. Hu, Y., & Ritchie, J. B. (1993). Measuring destination attractiveness: A contextual approach. Journal of Travel Research, 32(2), 25-34. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
22. Jang, H., Lee, S., Lee, S.-W., & Hong, S.-k. (2007). Expanding the individual choice-sets model to couples’ honeymoon destination selection process. Tourism Management, 28(5), 1299-1314. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
23. Jericó, C. A., & Wu, M. (2017). Characteristics of honeymoon tourism: Chinese tourist approach. Cuadernos de Turismo(40), 637-640. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
24. Jorgenson, J., Nickerson, N., Dalenberg, D., Angle, J., Metcalf, E., & Freimund, W. (2019). Measuring visitor experiences: Creating and testing the tourism autobiographical memory scale. Journal of Travel Research, 58(4), 566-578. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
25. Kerstetter, D., & Cho, M.-H. (2004). Prior knowledge, credibility and information search. Annals of Tourism Research, 31(4), 961-985. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
26. Kim, H., Koo, C., & Chung, N. (2021). The role of mobility apps in memorable tourism experiences of Korean tourists: Stress-coping theory perspective. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 49, 548-557. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
27. Kim, J.-H. (2018). The impact of memorable tourism experiences on loyalty behaviors: The mediating effects of destination image and satisfaction. Journal of Travel Research, 57(7), 856-870. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
28. Kim, J.-H., Ritchie, J. B., & McCormick, B. (2012). Development of a scale to measure memorable tourism experiences. Journal of Travel Research, 51(1), 12-25. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
29. Kim, J.-H., Ritchie, J. R. B., & McCormick, B. (2010). Development of a Scale to Measure Memorable Tourism Experiences. Journal of Travel Research, 51(1), 12-25. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287510385467 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
30. Kim, J. H., & Ritchie, B. W. (2012). Motivation-based typology: An empirical study of golf tourists. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 36(2), 251-280. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
31. Kim, S. S., & Agrusa, J. (2005). The positioning of overseas honeymoon destinations. Annals of Tourism Research, 32(4), 887-904. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2004.12.004 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
32. Kladou, S., & Mavragani, E. (2015). Assessing destination image: An online marketing approach and the case of TripAdvisor. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 4(3), 187-193. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
33. Kumar, P., Ahlawat, P., Aggarwal, V., Kumar, P., & Bhoria, N. (2022). Destination quality, fantasy experience and revisit intention: a study on domestic honeymoon tourism. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 40(8), 1899-1924. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijqrm-10-2022-0297 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
34. Larsen, S. (2007). Aspects of a Psychology of the Tourist Experience. Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, 7(1), 7-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/15022250701226014 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
35. Lee, C.-F., Huang, H.-I., & Chen, W.-C. (2010). The Determinants of Honeymoon Destination Choice—The Case of Taiwan. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 27(7), 676-693. https://doi.org/10.1080/10548408.2010.519303 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
36. Lee, J.-S., Fakfare, P., & Han, H. (2020). Honeymoon tourism: Exploring must-be, hybrid and value-added quality attributes. Tourism Management, 76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2019.103958 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
37. Lehto, X. Y., O’leary, J. T., & Morrison, A. M. (2004). The effect of prior experience on vacation behavior. Annals of Tourism Research, 31(4), 801-818. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
38. Li, K., Li, . (2012). Analysis of Honeymoon Tourism Consumption Trends: A Case Study of Shenzhen City. BUSINESS ECONOMIC. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
39. Lin. (2014). Analysis of Honeymoon Travel Motivation and Marketing Strategy - Taking Guangzhou as an Example. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
40. MacInnis, D. J., & Price, L. L. (1990). An Exploratory Study of the Effects of Imagery Processing and Consumer Experience on Expectations and Satisfaction. Advances in consumer research, 17(1). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
41. Marschall, S. (2012). ‘Personal memory tourism’and a wider exploration of the tourism− memory nexus. Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, 10(4), 321-335. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
42. Mehrabian, A., & Russell, J. A. (1974). A verbal measure of information rate for studies in environmental psychology. Environment and Behavior, 6(2), 233. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
43. Moutinho, L., Albayrak, T., & Caber, M. (2012). How far does overall service quality of a destination affect customers' post‐purchase behaviours? International Journal of Tourism Research, 14(4), 307-322. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
44. Oh, H., Fiore, A. M., & Jeoung, M. (2007). Measuring experience economy concepts: Tourism applications. Journal of Travel Research, 46(2), 119-132. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
45. Parta, I. B. M. W., & Maharani, I. A. K. (2023). CULTURAL TOURISM IN INDONESIA: SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW. Vidyottama Sanatana: International Journal of Hindu Science and Religious Studies, 7(2), 189-204. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
46. Penner, B. (2009). Newlyweds on tour: honeymooning in nineteenth-century America. UPNE. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
47. PR Newswire. (2022). New research: 97% of honeymoon plans were thwarted by the pandemic, leading to the rise of the 'mega-moon'. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-research-97-of-honeymoon-plans-were-thwarted-by-the-pandemic-leading-to-the-rise-of-the-mega-moon-301558627.html [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
48. Qu, H., & Sit, C. Y. (2007). Hotel service quality in Hong Kong: An importance and performance analysis. International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration, 8(3), 49-72. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
49. Rajaratnam, S. D., Nair, V., Pahlevan Sharif, S., & Munikrishnan, U. T. (2015). Destination quality and tourists’ behavioural intentions: rural tourist destinations in Malaysia. Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, 7(5), 463-472. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
50. Rasoolimanesh, S. M., Seyfi, S., Rather, R. A., & Hall, C. M. (2022). Investigating the mediating role of visitor satisfaction in the relationship between memorable tourism experiences and behavioral intentions in heritage tourism context. Tourism Review, 77(2), 687-709. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
51. Reisenwitz, T. H. (2013). A consumer profile of the US honeymooner and an examination of elements of the destination decision-making process. Anatolia, 24(2), 268-271. https://doi.org/10.1080/13032917.2013.779928 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
52. Report on the Market Status Survey and Investment Potential Analysis of China's Honeymoon Travel Industry from 2025 to 2030. (2025). https://max.book118.com/html/2025/0620/6243111114011145.shtm [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
53. Sardone, S. (2018). Wedding statistics and honeymoon facts and figures. Retrieved June 28, 2019. https://www.tripsavvy.com/wedding-statistics-and-honeymoon-facts-1860546 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
54. Schoner-Schatz, L., Hofmann, V., & Stokburger-Sauer, N. E. (2021). Destination’s social media communication and emotions: An investigation of visit intentions, word-of-mouth and travelers’ facially expressed emotions. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 22, 100661. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
55. Schumann, F. R., & Amado, C. (2010). Japanese overseas weddings in Guam: A case study of Guam’s first hotel wedding chapel. South Asian Journal of Tourism and Heritage, 3(1), 173-181. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
56. Seebaluck, N., Munhurrun, P., Naidoo, P., & Rughoonauth, P. (2015). An analysis of the push and pull motives for choosing Mauritius as “the” wedding destination. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 175, 201-209. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
57. Seyfi, S., Hall, C. M., & Rasoolimanesh, S. M. (2020). Exploring memorable cultural tourism experiences. Journal of Heritage Tourism, 15(3), 341-357. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
58. Seyfi, S., Rasoolimanesh, S. M., Vafaei-Zadeh, A., & Esfandiar, K. (2024). Can tourist engagement enhance tourist behavioural intentions? A combination of PLS-SEM and fsQCA approaches. Tourism Recreation Research, 49(1), 63-74. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
59. Sharma, A., Bora, R., & Kumar, P. (2024). Destination of dreams: unravelling wedding and honeymoon tourism research. Quality & Quantity, 1-25. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
60. Skavronskaya, L., Moyle, B., & Scott, N. (2020). The experience of novelty and the novelty of experience. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 322. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
61. Som, A. P. M., Shirazi, S. F. M., Marzuki, A., & Jusoh, J. (2011). A critical analysis of tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty. Journal of Global Management, 2(1), 178-183. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
62. Stone, M. J., Migacz, S., & Sthapit, E. (2022). Connections between culinary tourism experiences and memory. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 46(4), 797-807. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
63. Su, L., Hsu, M. K., & Swanson, S. (2017). The effect of tourist relationship perception on destination loyalty at a world heritage site in China: The mediating role of overall destination satisfaction and trust. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 41(2), 180-210. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
64. Talarico, J. M., & Rubin, D. C. (2003). Confidence, not consistency, characterizes flashbulb memories. Psychological science, 14(5), 455-461. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
65. Tosun, C., Dedeoğlu, B. B., & Fyall, A. (2015). Destination service quality, affective image and revisit intention: The moderating role of past experience. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 4(4), 222-234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdmm.2015.08.002 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
66. Tsai, F. M., & Bui, T.-D. (2021). Impact of word of mouth via social media on consumer intention to purchase cruise travel products. Maritime Policy & Management, 48(2), 167-183. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
67. Tung, V. W. S., & Ritchie, J. B. (2011). Exploring the essence of memorable tourism experiences. Annals of Tourism Research, 38(4), 1367-1386. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
68. Ünal, C., Dursun, A., & Caber, M. (2017). A study of domestic honeymoon tourism in Turkey. European Journal of Tourism, Hospitality and Recreation, 8(1), 65-74. https://doi.org/10.1515/ejthr-2017-0006 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
69. Vajčnerová, I., Žiaran, P., Ryglová, K., & Andráško, I. (2014). Quality management of the tourist destination in the context of visitors’ satisfaction. Procedia Economics and Finance, 12, 718-724. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
70. Wang, F., Song, M., Xin, X., Li, X., & Wu, B. (2015). Research on the destination selection of honeymoon tourism in China market based on the analysis of network content. Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Pekinensis, 51(3), 503-510. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
71. Wang, L., Wang, Z., Wang, X., & Zhao, Y. (2022). Assessing word-of-mouth reputation of influencers on B2C live streaming platforms: the role of the characteristics of information source. Asia Pacific journal of marketing and logistics, 34(7), 1544-1570. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
72. Wang, W., Yi, L., Wu, M.-Y., Pearce, P. L., & Huang, S. S. (2018). Examining Chinese adult children’s motivations for traveling with their parents. Tourism Management, 69, 422-433. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
73. Wang, Y.-C., Liu, C.-R., Huang, W.-S., & Chen, S.-P. (2020). Destination fascination and destination loyalty: Subjective well-being and destination attachment as mediators. Journal of Travel Research, 59(3), 496-511. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
74. Westbrook, R. A. (1987). Product/consumption-based affective responses and postpurchase processes. Journal of marketing research, 24(3), 258-270. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
75. Wirtz, D., Kruger, J., Scollon, C. N., & Diener, E. (2003). What to do on spring break? The role of predicted, on-line, and remembered experience in future choice. Psychological science, 14(5), 520-524. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
76. Wu, C.-H., Lin, Y.-F., Peng, K.-L., & Liu, C.-H. (2023). Augmented reality marketing to enhance museum visit intentions. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, 14(4), 658-674. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
77. Wu, C. (2017). Research on tourist destination selection information based on UGC--A case study of Ctrip's honeymoon travel notes. PROFESSION RESEARCH. https://doi.org/10.13833/j.cnki.is.2017.01.019 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
78. Yan, W., Liu, J., & Zhu, Y. (2023). Honeymoon Tourism as Romantic Consumption in China. Via. Tourism Review(24). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
79. Žabkar, R., Koračin, D., & Rakovec, J. (2013). A WRF/Chem sensitivity study using ensemble modelling for a high ozone episode in Slovenia and the Northern Adriatic area. Atmospheric Environment, 77, 990-1004. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
80. Zhang, H., Gordon, S., Buhalis, D., & Ding, X. (2018). Experience value cocreation on destination online platforms. Journal of Travel Research, 57(8), 1093-1107. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Metrics
Views & Downloads
Similar Articles
- The Impact of Ownership Structure on Dividend Payout Policy of Listed Plantation Companies in Sri Lanka
- Urban Sustainability in North-East India: A Study through the lens of NER-SDG index
- Performance Assessment of Predictive Forecasting Techniques for Enhancing Hospital Supply Chain Efficiency in Healthcare Logistics
- The Fractured Self in Julian Barnes' Postmodern Fiction: Identity Crisis and Deflation in Metroland and the Sense of an Ending
- Impact of Flood on the Employment, Labour Productivity and Migration of Agricultural Labour in North Bihar