Purpose – The purpose of the current study is to explore complicated structural relationships among
the variables of tourists’ perceptions of quality and the value of a sport tourist destination and their
satisfaction level and loyalty that are vital for successful destination marketing and management.
Design/methodology/approach – A survey was used to collect data from a sample of 570 sport
tourists who traveled to Nowshahr and Chalous cities in Iran during September 2012. These data were
gathered by convenience sampling method and analyzed using a structural equation model (SEM).
Findings – The results of the SEM revealed that tourists’ perceived quality and perceived value have
a significant impact on their satisfaction. Further, tourists’ satisfaction had a positive and significant
effect on the level of their loyalty.
Practical implications – Findings of the current study contribute to a better perception of
behavioral mechanisms and incentives and provide an acceptable basis to improve tourism industry in
both regional and national levels.