English abstract
Nowadays, measuring passengers' perceptions of a stopover destination constitutes a significant
issue in tourism literature. In review to the long-haul flights, investigating passengers' perceptions
from European and Asian continents to Muscat contributes to determining stopover destination
attributes and potential markets. This study investigates passengers' perceptions of Muscat as a
stopover destination. To measure Muscat's attractiveness, a stopover destination, the study created
an extended version of the 3A's stopover destination attractiveness model to test the relationship
among destination image's dimensions (Access, General Ambience and Attractions) and
destination's attitudinal loyalty. Mixed research methods were used to collect data. Firstly, face to
face semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants working in the tourism industry.
Secondly, on-site questionnaires were distributed in the arrival area among a selected sample of
400 passengers arriving at Muscat International Airport from four markets including the United
Kingdom, Germany, Thailand and Malaysia. The findings showed a significant relationship
between destination attractions and attitudinal loyalty. On the other hand, a non-significant
relationship was found between destination access and destination general ambience with the
attitudinal loyalty. Moreover, airline preference did not moderate the relationship between
destination access and attitudinal loyalty. Therefore, airline preference had no significant
relationship with airline preference.
