Purpose This study aims to examine the linkages between port aesthetics, destination image, tourist satisfaction and tourist loyalty in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach To achieve this objective, the authors surveyed 247 tourists in Hong Kong. Using factor analysis and structural equation model (SEM) to identify the constructs of port aesthetics and analyze its relationship with destination image, tourist satisfaction and tourist loyalty. Findings Five-port aesthetics constructs were identified, namely, leisure and culture, design and cognition, atmosphere, recreational facilities and memory. The results of SEM revealed the following: port aesthetics positively influenced destination image; destination image positively influenced tourist satisfaction; and tourist satisfaction had a positive influence on tourist loyalty. This research also found that the indirect effect of port aesthetics on tourist loyalty via destination image and tourist satisfaction. Originality/value While the environmental qualities of a port could potentially affect destination image, tourist satisfaction and loyalty, this study developed and validated a measurement instrument of perceived port aesthetics from a tourist’s perspective. Specifically, this research proposed a structural model to explain the relationships between port aesthetics, destination image, tourist satisfaction and loyalty.

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Purpose-This study aims to propose a safety marketing stimuli-response model to explain passengers' safety behavior in the ferry services context. Design/methodology/approach-Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the impact of safety marketing stimuli on passengers' safety awareness and behavior by using data obtained from a survey of 316 ferry passengers in Hong Kong. Findings-The authors found that passengers' perceptions of ferry safety marketing stimuli positively affected their safety awareness and safety awareness positively affected passengers' safety behaviors. Specifically, they found that safety awareness played a mediating role in the relationship between ferry safety marketing stimuli and passengers' safety behaviors. Practical/implications-The empirically validated scales can be adapted to practices of safety marketing, while providing helpful information for ferry operators to evaluate their efforts of safety marketing and implications for improvement. Originality/value-According to the authors' knowledge, this study is one of the first attempts to fill this research gap by empirically validating and theoretically conceptualizing measures of safety marketing stimuli based on the marketing stimulus-response model.

This research empirically examines passengers' perception of safety delivery and awareness on their preventative behaviours in the ferry context. Using survey data collected from 422 ferry passengers in Hong Kong, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were conducted. An exploratory factor analysis identified two main dimensions of safety delivery, namely: safety facilities and safety demonstration. Safety awareness was further clustered into three dimensions, which included safety information, vessel condition and rescue equipment. Resuts indicated that safety delivery and safety awareness positively influence passengers' preventative behaviour, as well as safety delivery positively influences passengers' safety awareness. This study highlighted the importance of passengers' perception of safety awareness and safety delivery in ferry safety. Implications of the study findings for improving safety in ferry operations and suggestions for the development of safety delivery are discussed.

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