Exploring tourism marketing message authenticity and destination trust: The role of benefit appeal, framing strategy, and tourist attributes

The perceived value of a tourist’s trip, representing a trade-off between costs and benefits of travelling to a destination, can exert a significant influence on tourists’ loyalty, which is a main concern for managers of tourist destinations. However, the mechanism between the destination value and tourist loyalty remains unexplored, especially in the new context of relationship marketing. To advance the understanding of the mechanism, we introduced 3 variables of “tourist–destination relationship”, namely place attachment (PA), destination trust (DT) and tourist satisfaction (TS), combined with perceived value (PV) and tourist loyalty (TL), and therefore constructed the conceptual model. Taking the Hangzhou City of China as an example, the conceptual model was fitted and tested using the structural equation model (SEM). The results show that: (1) PV can directly and positively affect TS and DT respectively, while there was no significant effect of PV on PA; (2) TS and DT can directly and positively influence TL, but the effect of PA on TL has not been supported empirically; (3) PV has a significant positive effect on TL; and (4) there are internal relationship among the 3 variables measuring the tourist–destination relationship, in other words, TS can significantly affects PA, DT respectively, and DT has a significant positive effect on PA. The findings of this study provide empirical references for understanding the important role of the tourist–destination relationship.

Virtual community membership has a strong influence on a tourist’s behaviours and the way information is transmitted. Drawing on trust transfer theory as a theoretical framework, this study tests an empirical model that investigates the influence of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) on destination trust and travel intention. The study also diagnoses gender differences in the proposed model. Data were obtained from a sample of 216 tourists in Cyprus. The findings from regression analyses suggest that eWOM is positively related to travel intention; eWOM is positively related to destination trust; and destination trust is positively related to travel intention. Additionally, the impact of eWOM on destination trust was significant for both genders but stronger for men, while the impact of destination trust on travel intention was stronger for women. The paper extends the existing literature regarding new response variables associated with eWOM.

The nexus of global tourism, disasters and sustainability have always been triggered by numerous crises, e.g., political unrest, wars, and pandemics. However, there is still fragmented research on destination crisis marketing, and its impact on willingness to travel remains largely unknown. To address this critical research gap, the present study used an experimental research design by framing destination crisis marketing campaigns (2 × 2 frames including DCM implemented versus DCM not implemented) and electronic word of mouth (2 × 2 frames including positive e-Wom versus negative e-Wom) to examine their impact on destination trust and global expat’s willingness to travel. Based on the experimental settings of global expats (N = 232; representing over 10 nationalities) with four framing groups (Group 1 to Group 4, configured in frames as ± DCM and ± e-Wom), the new evidence suggests that global expats who are provoked by positive crisis marketing campaigns and positive e-Wom (Group 4) have higher levels of destination trust than those who are exposed to either negative crisis marketing scenario and/or negative e-Wom (i.e., Group 1 to Group 3). The findings also revealed that global expat’s willingness to travel is significantly influenced by destination crisis marketing campaigns and e-Wom. Interestingly, for all framing groups (Group 1 to Group 4), the effects of destination crisis marketing and e-WOM on expat’s willingness to travel, was significantly mediated by destination trust. Utilizing prominent theories (i.e., signal theory, image repair theory and trust transfer theory), the study implications highlighted that crisis marketing and positive e-Wom could serve as the cornerstones for destinations to stay relevant, regenerate sustainable practices, as well as create new opportunities out of a crisis.

Tourism industry turns out to be a large international industry with enormous growth potential. Based on previous studies, Islamic tourism is popular among Muslim tourists. Thus, satisfying Muslim tourists with the image of a religious destination can encourage them to travel and revisit the destination in the future. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of destination image on intention of tourist to revisit the destination mediated by service quality, tourists’ satisfaction and destination trust in Shariah tourism destinations in Aceh. This study was conducted on 420 domestic and foreign tourist that come to visit Aceh. This study is included in the type of descriptive-quantitative research using survey method. The sample taken by using purposive sampling technique and the sample data were statistically analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with second order method and Multiple Group Analysis for gender. The results showed that the destination image directly had a significant effect on service quality, tourist satisfaction, destination trust and revisit intention, and indirectly the destination's image has an influence on the revisit intention through the service quality and destination trust, but not through tourists’ satisfaction. Whereas, according to gender of male, there is no influence was found between tourists’ satisfaction and destination trust to revisit intention.

Purpose – This study examines the mediating role of destination image and destination trust in the relationship between Electronic Word-of-Mouth (e-WOM) and the intention to visit halal tourism destinations, specifically focusing on Bangka Belitung. Methodology – This study employed a quantitative approach, collecting data from 292 respondents via an online survey. SEM was used to test the relationships among e-WOM, destination image, destination trust, and intention to visit. Validity and reliability tests, as well as goodness-of-fit measures, were applied to assess the model's robustness.Findings – The results indicate that e-WOM significantly influences both destination trust and destination image. However, neither destination image nor destination trust directly affect the intention to visit, and e-WOM itself does not have a direct significant impact on the intention. These findings suggest that, while e-WOM fosters positive perceptions and trust, other factors are more critical in driving the halal tourism intention.Implications – This study provides valuable insights for tourism stakeholders, particularly in halal tourism, by highlighting the importance of managing e-WOM to enhance trust and image. However, halal tourism providers must prioritize authenticity, cultural sensitivity, and visitor engagement to attract and retain tourists.Originality – This study contributes to the literature by exploring the mediating effects of destination image and trust in halal tourism, challenging the assumption that positive perceptions are always translated into behavioral intentions. It expands the understanding of how e-WOM impacts tourist decision making within a specific cultural and religious context.

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate potential Muslim tourists’ visit intentions to halal tourism destinations in Japan.Design/methodology/approachData were acquired from 397 respondents of potential Muslim tourists in Indonesia. These data were analyzed with variance-based structural modeling to assess the relationships between religiosity, halal awareness, destination image, destination trust and visit intention.FindingsThis study disclosed that halal awareness and destination trust could directly affect visit intention. Meanwhile, destination image could influence visit intention after mediated by destination trust. Religiosity was proven to be the antecedent of halal awareness and destination image.Practical implicationsThis study exhibits the ways to optimize the development of halal tourism, especially in Muslim minority countries, by shaping the visit intention of potential Muslim tourists. The providers should concentrate on building the destination trust of potential Muslim tourists. They should innovatively exhibit their sincere commitment to fulfilling halal needs of potential tourists, and having a favorable destination image is only one of the ways. Besides that, the providers can promote halal tourism to potential Muslim tourists with more vital halal awareness.Originality/valueThis is an initial study to examine the visit intention of potential Muslim tourist for halal tourism destination in a Muslim minority country.

This study proposes a new concept of the tourist‐destination relationship called destination relationship quality. It consists of four elements: destination satisfaction, destination trust, destination commitment, and destination attachment. The study investigates how destination personality and self‐congruity influence tourists' destination loyalty through destination relationship quality. Data were obtained through systematic sampling from 424 Chinese tourists in Guangzhou, China. Using partial least squares structural equation modelling analysis, this study confirmed that destination personality and self‐congruity are antecedent factors of destination relationship quality, which ultimately affect tourists' destination loyalty towards a destination. The study contributes to tourist‐destination relationship research by indicating the mechanism for establishing destination relationship quality so that researchers can further apply this concept in their future studies. The results of this study are helpful for tourist destination marketers to attach importance to the establishment of destination personality and create core differences in tourist destinations when developing marketing strategies.

Building on prospect theory, construal level theory, and corporate social responsibility literature, this study investigated how messaging framing strategies impact buffet diners’ food waste and repatronage intentions using three experimental studies. Findings suggested that framing strategies (gain vs. loss) and point of reference (self vs. others vs. environment) interactively influence diners’ behavioral intentions through corporate social responsibility (CSR). In particular, a gain-framing strategy with self or other-referencing points could enhance perceived CSR and repatronage intentions. However, when the referencing point changes to environment, gain-framed and loss-framed messages result in similar levels of perceived CSR, food waste reduction intentions, and repatronage intentions. Evidence also suggests that the “out of sight, out of mind” phenomenon could occur when it comes to food waste prevention. This study contributes to the literature by delineating the mediation mechanism of perceived CSR between message framing and diners’ behavioral intentions. It also shed light on restaurants’ food waste management, with implications for designing effective communication messages to enhance diners’ engagement in food waste prevention.

Aims: This research provides a unique lens by offering a more comprehensive consideration of cause-related marketing (CRM) campaign effectiveness. Specifically, we propose that the relative effectiveness of contribution type (monetary vs. in-kind) may hinge upon message framing (loss vs. gain-framed). Study Design: Integrating construal level and prospect theories with related CRM, message framing, and psychological distance literatures lead to propositions. Methodology: Literature reviews were first conducted. Rationalized on the construal level theory, multiple propositions of the effect of psychological distance on different contribution types and message framing are presented. The relationships among these concepts are proposed to have significant and positive effects on the effectiveness of CRM promotional campaigns based on the literature reviewed. Conclusion: The proposed research model not only advances the collective knowledge of construal level theory and psychological distance literatures, making a theoretical contribution specifically in the CRM field, but also should provide important marketing insights to guide CRM practices.

Purpose This study examined the influence of AI chatbot-generated information in tourist purchase decisions (PDs). Grounded in the Stimulus–Organism–Response theory and the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), this study highlights the roles of perceived value (PV), adoption, authenticity and accessibility in shaping destination trust (DT) and PDs. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered through online and in-person surveys using purposive sampling of AI chatbot users. The study employed PLS-SEM to comprehensively analyze key variable relationships. Findings The findings reveal that the PV, adoption, authenticity and accessibility of AI chatbot-generated information positively impact DT, which in turn strengthens tourists' PDs. This highlights the critical role of chatbot effectiveness in shaping consumer confidence and travel choices. Practical implications The findings offer valuable insights for tourism marketers, destination managers and AI developers in optimizing chatbot design and communication strategies to enhance consumer engagement and influence tourist decision-making. Originality/value This study examines how AI chatbot-generated information influences tourists' decision-making, focusing on its PV, adoption, authenticity and accessibility, and how these factors relate to DT and PDs. Grounded in the Stimulus-Organism-Response theory and the ELM, it addresses the research gap in understanding AI chatbots' role in shaping travel PDs amidst the tourism industry's shift toward technology-driven solutions.

The influence of tourists' monetary and temporal sunk costs on destination trust and visit intention

Prospect theory or construal level theory?: Diminishing sensitivity vs. psychological distance in risky decisions

The collaboration of nature tourism with religiosity is currently one thing that needs to be considered in sufficient detail. This can be seen by the development of halal tourism, but so far research that discusses halal tourism from the point of view of natural tourism destinations still has inconsistent results, so further research is needed with the aim of answering the inconsistency of these results. This study focuses on discussing natural tourism destinations from the point of view of halal tourism by placing the variables destination image, destination trust, service quality, destination attractiveness, towards revisit intention. This research is a survey research with respondents as many as 115 people who have visited natural tourist destinations in Banyumas, Central Java, Indonesia in the last 6 months. The results showed that destination image and destination trust proved to have a positive effect on revisit intention. However, destination trust and service quality have no effect on revisit intention.

This study aims to analyze whether word-of-mouth promotion and service quality have an impact on destination trust and intention to revisit tourism destinations in the Riau Archipelago. The population in this study were all tourists visiting the Riau Islands, both foreign and domestic tourists. Methodology: The sample is determined proportionally by considering the number of foreign and domestic tourists. The research sample was 350 tourists consisting of 150 foreign tourists and 200 domestic tourists. For analysis of data using with SmartPLS technique. Results: The results showed that all research hypotheses were accepted. This means that word of mouth and service quality has an impact on destination trust and revisit intention on Riau Islands’ destination.

Numerous studies have investigated tourism crisis communication, but few studies have focused on matching crisis communication message framing with crisis response strategy. Therefore, we explored the interactive effects of humorous message framing (HMF) and crisis response strategy (CRS) on destination reputation. The results indicate that adopting an apology CRS alongside self-deprecating HMF improves destination reputation, while the combination of a denial CRS with aggressive HMF helps restore destination reputation. Moreover, perceived sincerity and destination trust are effective mediators. This paper reveals the logic behind the application of destination CRS and deepens academics’ comprehension of the effect of HMF. It expands the research system of tourism crisis communication from the viewpoint of message framing. Meanwhile, the results provide theoretical and practical references for destination crisis response and reputation recovery.