Dingalans’ hidden gem and its must-visit tourist attractions: Assessment of tourist satisfaction experience using the 5 A’s of tourism
Jefferson N. Melegrito & Ali Mamaclay
Abstract
This study examined tourist satisfaction in Dingalan, Aurora, an emerging ecotourism destination renowned for its natural landscapes, coastal views, and tranquil charm. It used the 5 A’s of Tourism: Attractions, Accessibility, Accommodation, Amenities, and Activities. The goal was to identify strengths and areas for improvement to boost sustainable tourism. The research employed a descriptive correlational method, collecting data through surveys administered to tourists. Most respondents were young (ages 18 to 24), female, single, and came from low to middle-income backgrounds, highlighting Dingalan’s appeal to budget-conscious and early-career travellers. The results showed high satisfaction with natural attractions and outdoor activities, particularly Tanawan Falls, which is the most visited site because of its beauty and easy access. However, there were moderate levels of satisfaction regarding accessibility, accommodations, and amenities. Tourists expressed concerns about poor cleanliness, weak internet, limited safety measures, and a lack of facilities for persons with disabilities. To improve tourist experiences, the study recommends targeted enhancements in the 5 A’s. These include regular site maintenance, improved cleanliness and sanitation in accommodations, better internet connectivity, stronger safety protocols, and improved accessibility for persons with disabilities. Collaboration among the local government, tourism offices, and the private sector is crucial for implementing these plans. Dingalan’s natural beauty is its biggest strength, but upgrades in infrastructure and services are necessary to ensure higher tourist satisfaction, encourage repeat visits, and support long-term tourism growth. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for tourism stakeholders as they create inclusive and sustainable tourism strategies that benefit both visitors and the local community.
Keywords
tourist satisfaction, 5 A’s of tourism, Dingalan, Aurora
Author information & Contribution
Jefferson N. Melegrito. Corresponding author. Master in Business Administration in Hotel and Restaurant Management. PhD Business Administration Student, Wesleyan University-Philippines. Email: jnmelegrito31@gmail.com
Ali Mamaclay. Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration. Faculty, Wesleyan University-Philippines. Email: agmamaclay@wesleyan.edu.ph
"All authors equally contributed to the conception, design, preparation, data gathering and analysis, and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript."
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Funding
This work was not supported by any funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement
This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines set by the Graduate School of Wesleyan University Philippines. The conduct of this study has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Wesleyan University Philippines, and the corresponding ethical clearance was granted before data collection.
AI Declaration
AI tools were not used in writing this paper.
Notes
Acknowledgement
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Cite this article:
Melegrito, J.N. & Mamaclay, A. (2025). Dingalans’ hidden gem and its must-visit tourist attractions: Assessment of tourist satisfaction experience using the 5 A’s of tourism. International Journal of Academe and Industry Research, 6(4), 29-48. https://doi.org/10.53378/ijair.353282
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