Analysis of the nocturnal dimension of cultural tourism in heritage cities: Mosque-Cathedral as experience scenario

Abstract

This study examines how certain innovative tourist experiences influence the perception, satisfaction and behaviour of visitors in cities with a strong heritage tourism base. Thus, the purpose of this article is to analyse the night visit, its digitalisation and its influence on tourist satisfaction and the image of the city. The authors used the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) method. The research findings show the satisfaction obtained from night visits in urban tourism, the importance of digitalisation in this context, and the role of such visits in improving the city’s image. Consequences can include a possible expansion of the heritage’s tourist carrying capacity, changes to tourist flows, or an increase in overnight stays in the city. The results provide practical applications for the management of urban tourism, highlighting the role of the tourist experience in improving the quality of the destination and reinforcing its attractiveness. Likewise, the research contributes to the literature on tourist cities by offering practical implications. This study contributes to the existing knowledge of urban tourism by providing practical evidence on how night-time tourist experiences during heritage visits influence visitor satisfaction and destination evaluation in cities with a strong heritage dimension. There are no academic studies to examine the variables of digitisation, tourist satisfaction, and the city’s image in the context of a night-time visit to a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site.