Place Branding Research Articles

The Role of Transformational Leadership, Team Effectiveness and Well-Being in Predicting Employee Innovation Behavior in the Culinary Sector

This study aims to explore the relationship of transformational leadership roles, team effectiveness, and well-being with employee innovation behavior in the context of the culinary sector marked as city branding product. This study uses quantitative methods by collecting data through the distribution of questionnaires to employees of culinary sector businesses where the culinary includes city branding products. The results of the data analysis showed that transformational leadership and team effectiveness had a positive relationship with employee innovation behavior, while employee well-being has no relationship with employee innovation behavior. These findings provide important insights for managers and leaders in the culinary sector in understanding the factors influencing employee innovative behaviour in the organizations producing products marked as an icon of the city.

Enlivening a place brand inclusively: evidence from ten European cities

Enlivening a place brand inclusively: evidence from ten European cities

The Swedish Fika culture as a touristic experience and value-creating resource

Swedish fika, an everyday ritual of meeting over coffee and pastries - in the home, the workplace or at a café - is a deep-rooted part of Swedish culinary culture and a bearer of culture and national identity. Thus, fika would seem to offer just what tourists typically are looking for. However, so far it appears the tourism industry has not taken full advantage of what fika can offer, an experience for tourists and a resource for the tourism sector. As part of destination development and place branding, private and public actors strive to emphasise the identity and uniqueness of a place. They often do this through region specific foods and beverages, which come naturally loaded with identity. The primary purpose of this conceptual discussion is to examine how the Swedish fika culture, seen from an experience and value-creating perspective, could help serve the tourism sector to a greater extent than has hitherto been the case. A secondary purpose is to identify and highlight the need for research in this field.

Exploring the drivers of residents’ identification and green citizenship behavior in green cities: a multicountry study

PurposeThe fundamental mission of every green city is to harmonize urban living with environmental preservation. However, a critical challenge arises when the residents of such cities do not share the same level of environmental consciousness, potentially eroding the integrity of the green city’s brand identity. Hence, this study aims to explore the factors influencing residents’ identification with green city branding and assesses how this identification subsequently affects their green citizenship behaviors.Design/methodology/approachA survey of 1,217 residents from 15 green cities across six countries was conducted and analyzed using SPSS 28.0 for descriptive statistics and PLS-SEM for measurement and structural model analysis.FindingsThe results indicate that green city-self connection, green city distinctiveness and environmental benefits significantly impact GCRI, which, in turn, significantly influences green city protection, loyalty and advocacy behaviors. However, green city social and economic benefits did not affect resident identification.Practical implicationsThe results of this study provide valuable managerial insights for city brand managers, green city developers and governmental representatives. The study underscores the importance of considering residents as crucial internal stakeholders in the creation of a green city identity that effectively promotes sustainable urban living and an eco-friendly culture.Originality/valueThis study provides theoretical insights into the relationship between green identification and residents’ willingness and commitment to act as ambassadors and promote their city’s green values.

A social capital framework to understand the particularities and power dynamics in city branding

A social capital framework to understand the particularities and power dynamics in city branding

From a bad to good reputation: a case study illustrating the re-branding of a stigmatized neighbourhood in Sweden

AbstractNeighbourhoods with low social capital and bad reputations are becoming even more deprived, with increased homelessness, poverty and gang violence. In Sweden, and internationally, there is a need for knowledge of ways to stimulate positive regeneration of neighbourhoods with a bad reputation. This ethnographical case study explores regeneration factors in a neighbourhood that was transformed over 14 years from one with low social capital and a bad reputation to one with higher social capital and a good reputation. Three key factors in this positive regeneration and de-stigmatization process of a neighbourhood with an undesirable reputation were identified: the engagement of private sector actors with place branding and spatial anchorage skills; collaborative co-creation; and home-love with emotion-based building. The findings regarding this successful case highlight the importance of collaboration and including actors with re-branding skills when rewriting the narrative of a stigmatized neighbourhood.

Non-metropolitan labour attractiveness: when place branding meets employer branding

Non-metropolitan labour attractiveness: when place branding meets employer branding

Embracing the potential of ambiguous place brands: Illustrations from the Wild Atlantic Way

Embracing the potential of ambiguous place brands: Illustrations from the Wild Atlantic Way

The Asian Games and city branding in China: multimodal critical discourse analysis of Hangzhou’s promotional videos on YouTube

The Asian Games and city branding in China: multimodal critical discourse analysis of Hangzhou’s promotional videos on YouTube

Music and city branding: Auckland as a ‘City of Music’

AbstractWe examine Auckland's ‘City of Music’ (ACM) place branding initiative, outlining its aspirations, and gauging its contribution to the vitality of Auckland's underlying music scene. We draw on documentary evidence, media reports, first‐hand observations, and a series of interviews with brand advocates and music insiders. The paper highlights tensions between the ‘City of Music’ brand and the understandings of those whose work, identities, daily lives and lived spaces are appropriated to give it substance. We conclude that ACM has injected resources into the Auckland music ‘scene’ but fails to represent faithfully its vitality and complex ecology.

Street art and place-making of villages: examples of Italian painted villages

PurposeThis study aims to discuss the contribution of street art projects to the place-making of villages and the effects it generates for local stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework is developed based on the main characteristics of the place-making process, street art, creative place-making, as well as place identity, revitalisation and regeneration. This framework defines a set of thematic categories for the qualitative content analysis of online information, e.g. websites, media and blog posts, as well as in-depth interviews with local stakeholders.FindingsThis research presents the contribution of street art in place-making involving citizens, local businesses and international artists in a collective act to preserve local identity and revitalise and regenerate villages.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is focused only on villages. Cities are not considered in the research.Practical implicationsStreet art projects provide villages with several opportunities, such as stimulating place regeneration and revitalisation, giving new shape and decoration to neighbourhoods and streets and attracting visitors and business. Moreover, street art is commonly used to communicate local history, culture, traditions and social and political facts, helping places to vehiculate their identity and their messages to the next generations. Street art is also used as a part of a place branding strategy.Social implicationsThe village gets the opportunity to exploit the street art value proposition to stimulate the restocking of the place, if the primary stakeholders of the place are ready to invest in the new place identity giving trust to the street art project.Originality/valueStreet art projects contribute to the place-making of villages. They are used to communicate place identity, fostering cooperation between local stakeholders and economic and social development.

Correction: City branding, discourse and politics: a case study on Compassionate Louisville

Correction: City branding, discourse and politics: a case study on Compassionate Louisville

Sustainable tourism and city branding: Balancing growth and authenticity

Background: The rapid growth of tourism has necessitated a re-evaluation of its impacts on local cultures and economies, highlighting the need for sustainable practices. This paper explores the intersection of sustainable tourism and city branding, focusing on how destinations can balance economic growth with the preservation of authenticity. Method: Through a comparative case study analysis of Indonesia and the Philippines, this research examines the strategies employed by major cities in these countries to attract tourists while maintaining cultural integrity and promoting sustainability. In Indonesia, cities like Bali and Jakarta have implemented various initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable tourism, such as community-based tourism projects and environmental conservation efforts. Similarly, destinations like Manila and Cebu have developed branding strategies in the Philippines that emphasize cultural heritage and ecological sustainability. This study identifies common challenges faced by both countries, including managing the environmental impact of tourism and ensuring local community involvement in tourism planning. Result: The findings suggest that while Indonesia and the Philippines have made significant strides in integrating sustainability into their tourism and branding efforts, substantial hurdles remain to achieving a perfect balance. Conclusion: Key recommendations include enhancing policy frameworks, increasing stakeholder collaboration, and fostering greater awareness among tourists about sustainable practices. This paper contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable tourism and city branding by providing insights that can inform policy and practice in other regions facing similar challenges. Novelty/Originality of this study: They are developing a holistic and adaptable comparative framework for evaluating sustainable tourism strategies, integrating economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects, and considering each destination's unique characteristics. Various tourism destinations can adopt and adapt this framework to develop and implement tourism practices that effectively balance economic growth, cultural preservation and environmental sustainability in their local context.

Crafting urban identities: Local cuisine and city branding in Indonesia and Myanmar

Background: This comparative study examines the significant role of local cuisine in shaping urban identities and enhancing city branding in Indonesia and Myanmar. With a rich tapestry of culinary traditions, these Southeast Asian nations offer unique insights into how food culture can be leveraged as a strategic asset in urban planning. The research delves into integrating local cuisine in city branding initiatives, highlighting successful examples from major cities in both countries. By analyzing local food's cultural, economic, and social dimensions, the study underscores its potential to foster a sense of place and community, attract tourism, and stimulate local economies. Method: This study uses a comparative case study approach to investigate the role of local cuisine in shaping urban identity and enhancing city image in Indonesia and Myanmar. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and document analysis from various sources. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis to identify key themes and comparative analysis to highlight differences and similarities between the two countries. This approach allows the study to develop practical recommendations for urban planners and policymakers. Findings: The findings reveal that incorporating local cuisine into urban planning not only preserves culinary heritage but also enhances the distinctive character of cities, making them more appealing to both residents and visitors. Furthermore, the research discusses the challenges and opportunities urban planners and policymakers face in promoting local cuisine while balancing modernization and cultural preservation. Conclusion: Through a comparative lens, the study provides practical recommendations for cities aiming to integrate culinary elements into their branding strategies. The insights gained from Indonesia and Myanmar's experiences can serve as a valuable reference for other cities globally, seeking to enrich their urban identities through the celebration of local cuisine. Novelty/Originality of this study: The development of a comprehensive model for integrating local cuisine into a city’s branding strategy provides practical and measurable guidance for city planners to leverage culinary heritage to enhance city attractiveness, identity, and local economic empowerment while maintaining the authenticity and sustainability of culinary traditions.

THE INFLUENCE OF CITY BRANDING "SERAMBI NUSANTARA" ON TOURISTS' INTEREST AND DECISION TO VISIT IN PENAJAM PASER UTARA

This study examines the extent to which the "Serambi Nusantara" city branding influences tourists' visiting interest and decision-making to visit Penajam Paser Utara. A sample of 400 respondents will be randomly selected using the Slovenian method to determine the sample size, and they will participate in a survey using a structured questionnaire. The findings of this research are expected to provide significant insights into the effectiveness of city branding in influencing tourist behavior and its relevance for developing improved tourism strategies in the region. The analysis results indicate that the city branding significantly affects tourists' visit interest and visit decisions with a contribution of 74.7% and 63.7%, respectively, while visit interest itself significantly influences visit decisions. This research can inform tourism marketing strategies and city branding initiatives aimed at boosting tourism in areas that may possess unique characteristics and challenges.

Conceptualising place branding in three approaches: towards a new definition of place brands as embodied experiences

Conceptualising place branding in three approaches: towards a new definition of place brands as embodied experiences

Would City Brand Effectiveness Measurement System (CBEMS) work in practice? Viewpoints of six European cities

The aim of the paper is an empirical evaluation of the City Brand Effectiveness Measurement System (CBMES) presented in a paper published in Cities in 2021, and the identification of the prerequisites that foster a type of setting that helps universalize the city brand effectiveness measurement process. This study was performed to generate response to the CBEMS from the city brand managers from European cities, including: (i)evaluation of the key components of the CBEMS: measurement procedure, measurement areas, structure of effectiveness indicators; (ii) identification of gaps in the measurement system in its critical areas and its further elimination. To perform the study, the presentations of the CBEMS were developed and delivered to respondents, followed by a moderated discussion and a standardized survey, distributed online after presentations. Eventually, the data were compiled and analyzed to identify alternations and further recommendations to the system. The findings reveal an overly positive response from city representatives. The respondents view the CBEMS not simply as a measurement procedure but also as a guiding instrument to structure and organize city brand strategy development and implementation. As a result of the study Adaptive Measurement Frame was developed featuring prerequisites to the universalization of the measurement process.

Diversity our strength? Exploring the influence of power dynamics on shaping suburban ethnic strips and place-making

ABSTRACT In Canada’s multicultural context, diversity is often celebrated in city branding and promotion, yet, it is not clear what diversity means, to whom, and whether the advantages of urban diversity are well acknowledged to support inclusive place-making. Situated in two of Toronto’s most diverse inner suburbs, this paper explores how diversity and place are perceived, produced, and experienced by local immigrant and racialized communities in obsolete and stigmatized strip mall environments, and how power dynamics are presented and influenced through the place-making process. The findings reveal that, although the population is culturally diverse and immigrants actively contribute to suburban place-making, municipal plans and policies do not prioritize immigrant communities and businesses. This results in ineffective public engagement and a disconnect with the diverse communities, thereby impacting the outcomes of ethnic places. The current city-wide Business Improvement Area program also requires a renewed focus on diversity and inclusion. Without equity and inclusion as fundamental considerations in city planning and engagement processes, there is no guarantee that diversity can be effectively leveraged as an urban asset or strength. This oversight can adversely affect the outcomes of ethnic place-making, a process that aims to empower the relationships between people and place.

Economic outcomes of place branding: evidence from a scoping review

PurposeThis study examines the relationship between place branding and economic growth, addressing the gap in literature that directly links the two. Recognising the importance of place branding in attracting investment and fostering economic development, the study aims to substantiate the commonly held belief that place branding contributes to economic prosperity.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a scoping review methodology, this study analyses 129 articles to assess the evidence supporting the impact of place branding on economic outcomes. The review spans a wide range of fields and includes both direct and indirect evidence, highlighting the complexity of establishing a clear link.FindingsThe review uncovers a significant literature gap, with only a small fraction of the articles providing direct evidence of a link between place branding and economic outcomes. While many articles imply a positive impact, the evidence is not sufficiently generalisable, indicating a yet unverified assumption in the field.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to place branding scholarship by critically examining the assumed economic benefits of place branding. It suggests that while the belief in place branding’s economic influence is widespread and reasonable, there is a crucial need for more rigorous studies to establish a firm empirical foundation for this relationship.

Unravelling the link between actors’ roles in place branding processes and brand citizenship behaviour

Unravelling the link between actors’ roles in place branding processes and brand citizenship behaviour