Journal of Natural Resources and Environmental Management http://dx. org/10. 29244/jpsl. RESEARCH ARTICLE Evaluation of Visitor Loyalty to Technology-Based Attractions for Sustainable Tourism at Taman Safari Indonesia after COVID-19 Ratna Sari Hasibuana,b. Rinekso Soekmadic. Herry Purnomod. Nur Budi Mulyonoe Department of Natural Resource and Environmental Management Science. IPB University. IPB Baranangsiang Campus. Bogor, 16129. Indonesia Faculty of Forestry. University of Nusa Bangsa Bogor. Bogor, 16166. Indonesia Department of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecotourism. Faculty of Forestry. IPB University. IPB Dramaga Campus. Bogor, 16680. Indonesia Department of Forest Management. Faculty of Forestry. IPB University. IPB Dramaga Campus. Bogor, 16680. Indonesia e School of Business and Management. Bandung Institute of Technology. Bandung, 40132. Indonesia Article History Received 29 August 2024 Revised 9 December 2024 Accepted 27 December 2024 Keywords loyalty, satisfaction. SEM-PLS, sustainable,Taman Safari Indonesia ABSTRACT Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI) is an organization dedicated to ex-situ conservation. The pandemic caused a 53% decline in visitor visits to TSI in 2020 compared to 2019, creating an urgent need for funds to ensure the institution's sustainability. In response, various technology-based visitor attractions have been developed, focusing on Augmented Reality (AR) applications to enhance both the quantity and quality of visitor experiences. This study examines how visitors' experiences with technology-driven attractions influence their satisfaction and loyalty to TSI. The SEM-PSL method was used to analyze data using structural equation modeling. After using the AR features, they completed a questionnaire based on their impressions of AR-based visitors' attractions. The results showed that the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty was significant, with a path coefficient 760, greater than the t-table value of 1. 96 at a 95% confidence level, indicating statistical The findings suggest that higher satisfaction levels lead to greater visitor loyalty, with satisfied visitors more likely to return to TSI, especially with the enhanced AR experience. Visitors' interactions with AR features improved their overall experience and strengthened their emotional connection to the TSI, suggesting the potential for sustained engagement. These results imply that integrating advanced technologies such as AR can play a key role in fostering visitor loyalty. Future tourism strategies should integrate immersive AR experiences with ecological education and conservation efforts to promote environmental sustainability. Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic affected the entire world in 2020, prompting the implementation of travel restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus, particularly owing to the movement of people across borders . Ae. Given COVID-19Aos highly contagious nature, all human-to-human interactions have been restricted . Ae. In particular, the tourism industry is severely affected by these measures . One such organization was Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI), a conservation institution established under Decree No. 709/Kpts-II/90, dated December 6, 1990, updated by Decree No. 242/Kpts-II/1999 of the Ministry of Forestry. The TSI serves as an eco-friendly breeding facility for animals outside their natural habitats and is dedicated to their In 2020, the number of visitors to TSI dropped by 53% compared to 2019, mainly because of the pandemic and the resulting travel restrictions. Consequently. TSI faced a significant financial challenge as it urgently required revenue to cover the costs of animal care and feeding. Developing diverse and engaging visitor Corresponding Author: Rinekso Soekmadi soekmadi@apps. Department Ecotourism. Faculty of Forestry. IPB University. IPB Dramaga Campus. Bogor. Indonesia. Forest Resources Conservation A 2025 Hasibuan et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license, allowing unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided proper credit is given to the original authors. Think twice before printing this journal paper. Save paper, trees, and Earth! attractions is essential to ensure TSI's continued operation and to encourage post-pandemic According to Saway et al. , offering more exciting and varied attractions increases visitor satisfaction, which helps ensure the long-term sustainability of these attractions. Adapting and innovating during and after a pandemic is vital for the recovery of the tourism sector . One promising approach is to integrate technology, specifically Augmented Reality (AR), into the visitor experience . AR technology can help maintain safe distances between visitors . As defined in Copra and Gupta . AR is a technologybased application that blends real-world surroundings with real-time virtual environments using mobile Keckes and Tomicic . suggests that AR has the potential to enhance visitors' experiences by providing relevant information and expanding their understanding of visitorsAo sites and enjoyment. According to Chung et al. , research was conducted in the 2013 Deoksugung Palace in Korea using the partial least squares (PLS) method with 145 respondents. The results of the study show that satisfaction with AR has a significant positive impact on destination attitudes, with a t-statistic of 11. In the study by Han et al. participants who experienced AR services during cultural heritage tours were randomly recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk. A total of 355 respondents were analyzed using structural equation modeling with partial least squares (SEM-PLS). Satisfaction with AR also had a significant positive impact on the desire to support the conservation of heritage destinations . =3. AR technology in heritage tourism is acknowledged as an innovative approach that enhances the quality of visitors' experiences, aids practitioners in establishing a competitive advantage for destinations, and improves relationships between tourists and Thus, the ultimate goal of AR development is to maintain and preserve tourist destinations by providing better experiences at cultural heritage sites. The application of AR in tourism has been shown to improve travel and leisure experiences . This aligns with the findings of a 2019 study by Han et al. which focused on the cultural tourism sector, specifically art galleries in England. However, studies examining AR user experiences in the travel and tourism industries remain limited . especially for dynamic objects such as animals. Understanding visitor satisfaction and loyalty is critical for the sustainable growth of tourism destinations. This study not only highlights the importance of health and safety but also accelerates the integration of technology into the tourism experience. As tourism destinations strive to grow sustainably, it is important to understand how attractions impact visitor satisfaction and loyalty . Such innovations offer new ways of engaging visitors while adhering to social distancing measures. The intersection of technological innovation and environmental sustainability is also important, as attractions aim to create memorable experiences while minimizing their ecological impact. In addition. TSI is unique because tourists can interact by feeding on animals such as deer, zebras, hippos, and others. Therefore, this study aims to analyze how visitor satisfaction and loyalty are shaped by their experiences with AR-based attractions in TSI. Materials and Methods Study Area This study was conducted at TSI, which has an area of 200 ha. TSI coordinates were 6A43A13AS 106A57A02AEAe6. 7203156AS 106. 9505096AE, located in Cibeureum Village. Cisarua District. Bogor Regency. West Java. Indonesia (Figure . The TSI area borders Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park to the south. Citeko to the west. Tugu Village to the east, and Cibereum Village to the north. This study was conducted between January and May 2023. Data were collected from May 16 to 21, 2023, at Taman Safari Indonesia. Bogor. Data Collection Development of the AR Application The AR application was developed at the ITB School of the Business Management Laboratory. This application was designed to enhance the visitor experience at Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI) using Augmented Reality The AR attraction application can be used by pressing the marking button based on the coordinate points entered into the cell phone. It obtains information about several prototype animals, such as Elephants. Zebras, and Camels. Information such as animal names, feed, animal distribution, and the level of animal rarity will also appear. http://dx. org/10. 29244/jpsl. JPSL, 15. | 605 Figure 1. Maps of AR site at TSI located in Cibeureum Village. Cisarua District. Bogor Regency. Testing the AR Application After the AR application was finalized, it underwent testing with participants in 2023 (Figure . This application operates on coordinate positions and allows for a maximum interaction range of 10 meters between the Android device and the animal. It is designed to ensure the well-being and comfort of visitors. After using the AR application, respondents were asked to complete a questionnaire based on their experience with the AR visitors' attraction. The questionnaire was designed to assess satisfaction with and loyalty to AR applications. In the SEM-PLS analysis, the questionnaire was not validated first. Invalid variables were deleted when applied to SEM-PLS software. The questionnaire consists of two parts. Part 1: demographic information, including sex, age, education level, and income, and Part 2: questions about AR applications, specifically their content, handling, satisfaction, and loyalty. Each of these four categories contained three questions for a total of 12 to determine their usefulness . ee Table . The questionnaire used a 4-point Likert scale . , ranging from 1 . trongly disagre. to 4 . trongly agre. to prevent neutral or doubtful responses. A Likert scale was used to quantify visitor satisfaction with and loyalty to the AR Visitor satisfaction and loyalty data were collected through field observations and interviews conducted at the TSI. Figure 2. Visitors' experience of AR attractions at TSI. This journal is A Hasibuan et al. JPSL, 15. | 606 Sampling and Respondent Selection A random sampling method was used to select 384 visitors over one-week period in May 2023. Respondents were required to have visited the TSI at least once to ensure that they were familiar with the attraction. The sample size was determined using the Cochran formula . based on the average number of visitors visiting the TSI from 2015 to 2022. ycu= yc 2 . 1 yc2 . yc 1 ( 2 Oe . ycA ycc Where n is sample size. N is population size . ,694,. , t is desired confidence level . %, so that t value = . , d is error rate . , p is proportion, q is 1Aep and 1 is constant number. According to the Indonesian Dictionary, loyalty refers to obedience and fidelity. It can also be understood as a person's commitment or allegiance to an individual, group, or organization. In the context of Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI), loyalty is defined as the willingness to revisit, that is, the intention of visitors to return for another visit and recommend the AR attraction to friends and family, highlighting its appeal and value. Table 1. Variables and indicators model used in the AR application study on visitor satisfaction and loyalty at TSI. Variable Content Handling Satisfaction Loyalty Indicators Information Enjoy AR applications and interesting content Engage in the use of AR applications Comfortable using AR applications The quality of the visual display/images of the application Conformity of visual appearance/image with reality The sound display is clear and like reality Using AR applications is a valuable experience Using AR applications is an activity that exceeds expectations Using AR applications is a satisfying experience The application provided increases visitors' knowledge about animals You will revisit Safari Park using the AR application and tell your friends about it The application provided is not complicated Source . Data Analysis Figure 3 shows that the variables in the model were content (A1. A2. , handling (B1. B2. , satisfaction (C1. C2. , and loyalty (D1. D2. Table 1 presents the variables and indicators used in this model. Data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) 3. 0 software . Ae. PLS-SEM does not require nominal, ordinal, or continuous measurement scales. The data does not have to be normally distributed, and it is more efficient for the results to be obtained in one run. In this study, testing was performed using the created model. Figure 3. Research model on the use of AR applications on visitor satisfaction and loyalty at TSI. http://dx. org/10. 29244/jpsl. JPSL, 15. | 607 Composite Reliability and Average Variance Extracted (AVE) analyses were conducted to determine the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, ensuring that the measurement instruments used in the study were consistent and accurate. According to Hair et al. and Sulistiowati et al. indicate that the Composite Reliability value exceeds 0. 7, signifying a high degree of internal consistency among the items. In contrast, the AVE value exceeds 0. 5, indicating that the constructs account for an adequate portion of the variance from the observed variables. These thresholds confirm that the questionnaire met the established criteria for construct validity. Significance analysis was performed through bootstrapping techniques using PLS-SEM software, which enabled testing of model robustness and hypothesis validation. With a confidence level of 95% (Oy=5%), t-statistics were calculated with a minimum threshold of 1. , ensuring statistical These methods provide a rigorous framework for evaluating the structural model and the relationships between variables, ultimately supporting the credibility and generalizability of the study's Results and Discussion Results The Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents AR users are typically categorized based on their sex, age, and educational attainment. This is because younger generations are often quicker to embrace new technologies than older generations due to their greater adaptability to technological advancements. With a growing student population, the tourism industry holds significant growth potential for young travellers, especially during and after the pandemic . Education, which includes both formal and informal learning experiences inside and outside school, is a lifelong process aimed at optimizing individual capabilities . Visitors to Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI) come from diverse age groups, genders, and educational backgrounds, resulting in varied experiences with technology-based attractions (Table . The results revealed that out of 206 respondents, 53. 65% were male, with the majority of visitors to Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI) falling within the 20Ae40 years age range. This age group is characterized by a preference for attractions that blend fun and challenging experiences, making TSI an appealing destination. Furthermore, many visitors in this demographic are young parents bringing their children on vacation, reinforcing TSI's status as a popular choice for young families seeking education and entertainment in a natural setting. addition to its established offerings, the growth in visitors aged 20Ae40 presents an opportunity to explore technology-driven tourism innovations, such as Augmented Reality (AR). These advancements can create immersive, personalized experiences that resonate with tech-savvy younger generations. By integrating such modern features. TSI can enhance its appeal and position itself as a cutting-edge destination. The dominance of this productive age segment among TSI visitors offers strategic advantages for the destination's sustainability. This demographic is not only a key driver of footfall but also represents a significant opportunity for long-term engagement. By catering to their preferences. TSI can continue to evolve as a family-friendly attraction that prioritizes nature conservation while delivering memorable, highquality experiences. Table 2. Demographic characteristics of respondents used in the AR application study on visitor satisfaction and loyalty at TSI. Characteristics Gender Age Marital status This journal is A Hasibuan et al. Parameter Male Frequency (%) Female Under 20 years 20Ae40 years 41Ae60 years Over 61 years Not married yet Married JPSL, 15. | 608 Characteristics Parameter Origin Education Employment Income Frequency (%) Jabodetabek Outside Jabodetabek Outside of Java Island Less than high school High school graduate Bachelor's degree Master's or Doctoral degree Student Government officer/state-owned enterprises/employees Entrepreneur TNI/police Satisfaction Standard deviation (STDEV) Content -> Loyalty Significant Handle -> Satisfaction Significant Handle -> Loyalty Significant Satisfaction -> Loyalty Significant Original sample (O) t statistics (|O/STDEV|) p values Study result Significant Discussion The results of the study showed a strong correlation between the frequency of repeat visits to Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI) and loyalty to technology-based tourism, especially the use of Augmented Reality (AR) The more often visitors return to Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI), the stronger their loyalty to technology-based tourism. Most of these visitors were male . 65%), aged 20Ae40 years, and had a high school education . 63%), who grew up with internet access and digital technology (Table . The 20Ae40 age group is the age group with Generation Z and Millennials, who are known to be tech and digitally literate, and relatively open to innovations such as AR. This demographic group is very likely to use AR tourism features, considering that the application is fun and interesting, because it offers new experiences and educational content, especially those that are relevant in the post-COVID-19 era. High school graduates in this age range are generally active in popular digital culture, such as using TikTok. Instagram. YouTube, and AR-based games like Pokymon GO. The novelty of the AR experience also encourages visitors to share their experiences on social media, attracting a wider audience and driving interest and loyalty to the TSI. This influence is crucial for the growth of sustainable tourism in destinations such as Taman Safari. Indonesia. This is in accordance with research conducted by Khusaeni et al. , which shows that factors such as gender, destination attractiveness, accessibility, comfort, and ease of use have a http://dx. org/10. 29244/jpsl. JPSL, 15. | 611 greater influence in shaping consumer behavior in visitors to tourist destinations in Tangerang Regency than education level. Similar results were also reported by Bernini and Cracolici . , and TomiN et al. , who concluded that demographic factors such as gender, age, education level, family structure, and income have a significant role in shaping consumer behavior and influencing visitor decisions of tourist destinations, but these findings are in contrast to research in Badung Regency. Bali . which showed that most visitors in the area, aged 19Ae24 years, with a bachelor's degree, were women. This is because the attractions provided in TSI are adventure attractions combined with the development of AR attractions, so that they are very popular with men. general, men in this age group have a preference for activities that are exploratory, competitive, and visually interactive, such as video games, simulations, and adventure experiences. The combination of education and entertainment forms the core of TSI's value proposition, uniquely aligning with the needs and desires of young travellers and families. This approach creates substantial opportunities for operational sustainability of TSIs. The increased visits from this demographic not only drive higher revenue streams but also enable continuous improvement in service quality. These additional resources can be strategically allocated toward initiatives such as procuring high-quality animal feed, maintaining and upgrading facilities, and developing impactful conservation programs that further underscore the TSI's commitment to environmental stewardship. The success of AR technology in tourism relies on its ability to create engaging narratives, which are essential for fostering visitor loyalty and ensuring TSI's economic resilience. For developers and educators, understanding these factors is crucial when designing AR applications to encourage their adoption, especially in improving animal conservation education. This finding is in line with Sundoro and Wibawa . , regarding technology-based learning media, the trial results using questionnaire analysis data from respondents indicate that this application is worthy of being used as a reference for learning activities, with an assessment of 77%. Meanwhile, for student learning motivation, the average value was 3. 48 and was included in the good Incorporating AR attractions into tourism environments can significantly boost visitor engagement and build customer loyalty. By blending physical and digital experiences. TSI visitors can form deeper emotional connections with attractions. The integration of AR redefines visitor expectations and behaviors, which are essential for fostering loyalty in the post-pandemic tourism landscape. AR attractions provide immersive, interactive experiences that enhance the visitor experience by bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds. This technology also promotes safety and comfort, which is especially important given the ongoing health concerns after the pandemic. Furthermore, the emotional connection fostered through unique AR storytelling can lead to repeated visits. As visitors increasingly seek attractions that emphasize safety while offering innovative and memorable experiences, the role of AR has grown even more essential. Thus, the success of Taman Safari IndonesiaAos AR offerings depends on its ability to create meaningful interactions that resonate with visitors, ultimately strengthening loyalty. This, in turn, contributes to the implementation of sustainable tourism practices in Taman Safari Indonesia, enhancing conservation efforts and visitor loyalty, particularly in the post-COVID-19 Conclusions Based on the results, the path value between satisfaction and loyalty was 3. 760, exceeding the t-table value 96 at the 95% confidence level. This finding confirms the significance of the study: the higher the satisfaction, the greater the loyalty, meaning that visitors are more likely to return to Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI) after experiencing AR attractions. This study indicates that visitor loyalty to technology-based AR attractions in Taman Safari Indonesia is closely tied to the enriched experience, particularly in the postCOVID-19 environment. Integrating AR technology enhances visitor experience and supports sustainable tourism practices, fostering a stronger connection between visitors and wildlife conservation. As the tourism sector recovers from the impact of the pandemic. AR attractions can attract visitors who prioritize safety, engagement, and educational value. This implies that when visitors have a fulfilling and enjoyable experience at Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI), particularly with the Augmented Reality (AR) attractions, they are more inclined to revisit the TSI. This journal is A Hasibuan et al. JPSL, 15. | 612 Author Contributions RSH: Data collection, data analysis, writing, and review. RS: Supervision, data analysis, writing , and review. HP: Data analysis, writing, and review. NBM: Data analysis, writing, and review. Conflicts of Interest There are no conflicts to declare. References