Factors influencing tourists' visitation to Belitung Island as a national priority destination

Abstract

Belitung Island is expected to become a national priority destination. Tourist visits, in many cases are influenced by several factors such as destination image, motivation, and word of mouth. Knowledge is believed to moderate the destination image. This study examines the factors that influence tourists to visit Belitung Island as a National Priority Destination. The survey targets domestic tourists who have visited Belitung Island at least once. A total of 220 online questionnaires were distributed to respondents using the convenience sampling method. This study demonstrates that destination image, motivation, and word of mouth positively influence tourist intention to choose Belitung Island as a priority destination. At the same time, it is revealed that knowledge does not moderate destination image. Stakeholders in Belitung Island need to find a way to spread knowledge about National Priority Destinations to the public to get comprehensive information about the condition of Belitung Island, which has become a priority destination.