Determining the causal relationships between involvement and behavioral intentions of sports event tourists

The purpose of this study was to determine the causal relationships between Involvement and behavioral intentions of sport event tourists considering the role of mediator of destination image and satisfaction as well as the moderating effect of travel companions. The present study is applied regarding purpose and descriptive-survey, based on the method of collecting the data. The statistical population was included non-Tehranian tourists present in the derby between Esteghlal and Persepolis. The sampling method was selected based on PASS software (382) using stratified random sampling, and they were also analyzed using Smart PLS 3 software. The questionnaire’s validity and reliability were confirmed by experts and Related statistical tests. The results of data analysis showed that involvement of sports event tourists did not directly affect on their behavioral intention, but indirectly, considering the destination image and satisfaction of tourists, this effect was reported as a significant full mediator. Additionally, travel companions as a moderator of the severity of the relationship between the destination image and the sports tourists' satisfaction significantly affected. Therefore, to the authorities of the sports event organizer could point out that in order to influence and direction the behavioral intention of sports tourists in order to strengthen the strategy of absorbing and retaining them, more than just the past to consider on the destination features (Sanitary - welfare facilities, attractions and aesthetic features around the event, provide a safe environment for attendance) and psychological aspects of sports event tourists.