The Impact of Local Holidays and Events on Tourist Behavior: An Analytical and Descriptive Study

Abstract

This field study aims to evaluate the impact of local holidays and events on tourists' behavioral patterns across three main dimensions: purchasing behavior, length of stay, and overall satisfaction, while uncovering the mediating role of cultural experience. The study adopted both descriptive and analytical approaches independently; the descriptive method was used to define the phenomenon and demographic characteristics, whereas the analytical method was applied to hypothesis testing and structural equation modeling. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire from a purposive sample of 250 local and foreign tourists visiting tourist destinations and traditional festivals in Libya (Susa) between May and August 2026.  Statistical analysis using SPSS v.28 and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) results revealed a statistically significant positive effect of cultural and heritage events on local tourist behavior. The path coefficient toward purchasing behavior reached (β = 0.68, p < 0.001), while the path coefficient toward length of stay was (β = 0.55, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the direct effect on revisit intentions reached (β = 0.42, p < 0.01) from events to cultural experience, ) β = 0.55(  to purchasing behavior, ) β = 0.55) to length of stay, and (β = 0.61 (to overall satisfaction. The study provides practical recommendations for destination management organizations focused on enhancing cultural authenticity and developing integrated marketing packages.