Destination Appeal Research Articles

Factors Influencing the Intention of Indonesians in Conducting Medical Tourism to Malaysia

Medical tourism is a diversification of medical treatment combined with tourism activities which have now developed a lot and become the lifestyle of people around the world, including Indonesia. There have been many comprehensive studies that discuss the relationship between medical tourism and various factors that encourage someone to want to do medical tourism activities, however previous research was conducted outside Indonesia. For this reason, the purpose of this study was to find out whether the factors of quality of care, potential for saving, and destination appeal affect the intention of the Indonesian people to take medical tourism trips to Malaysia. The research was conducted using quantitative research methods with a survey strategy for Indonesian people who are interested in medical tourism

Pengabdian Berbasis Teknologi dalam Menunjang Pengalaman dan Interaksi Pengunjung Terhadap Destinasi Wisata Melalui Aplikasi AR Gamification

Technology's role in tourism can have a positive effect on attracting tourists. In providing solutions to non-optimal media in supporting alternative entertainment and services for tourists, the service activity's goal of integrating augmented reality (AR) in tourism has given rise to the concept of AR gamification, in which game elements are integrated into the tourist experience to create a more enjoyable and interactive experience. Potential users are assisted in comprehending and optimizing their use of AR gamification applications. The implementation of augmented reality games at The Sila's Agrotourism benefited from the active participation of collaborators in all PKM activities. The results demonstrated that the use of augmented reality (AR)-based interactive games in tourist destinations enhances the destination's appeal and encourages visitor participation in associated activities. The implementation of augmented reality technology makes the tourist experience at The Sila's Agrotourism more engaging and enjoyable for guests, which has positive repercussions for boosting tourist attraction and satisfaction.

Online representation of Lotus Lantern Festival’s destination appeal

Online representation of Lotus Lantern Festival’s destination appeal

Comparing the Influences of Tourism Live Streaming and Short-Form Video for Young Chinese: A Qualitative Investigation

ABSTRACT This article reports on an exploratory study aimed at better understanding how the features of tourism live streaming (TLS) and tourism short-form video (TSV) differently and similarly influence young Chinese. For this exploratory study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Douyin users about their experiences using TLS and TSV. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. The findings show that as video tools for social media, both TLS and TSV expand users’ horizons and enhance their understanding of destinations. Comparatively, however, TLS provides users with a much more realistic and ‘real-time’ view of the destination than TSV. On the other hand, TSV allows users to review destination information in ways that TLS cannot and, to a degree, can also enhance destination appeal through the use of ‘staged’ videos. Furthermore, TLS and TSV differ in terms of functionality. This study adds to the body of knowledge concerned with the influences of mobile technologies on tourist consumption and production. In addition, key findings are likely to be of use to tourism destination managers and marketers seeking to operationalize TLS and TSV for promotional purposes.

Determining food attributes for measuring and evaluating a gastronomic destination's appeal to visitors

PurposeThe research aims to determine local food attributes for measuring and evaluating that appeal tourists to the gastronomic city of Phuket, Thailand.Design/methodology/approachThe first step is, the item generation, which includes an in-depth interview. Secondly, scale purification includes the exploratory factor analysis, which generates a preliminary factor structure. In the final step, scale validation, confirmatory component analysis is used to test the items and dimensions.FindingsThe 33 items organized into eight dimensions: food quality, authenticity, hygiene, interpersonal, novelty, service provider, foodservice place and value added for a creative city of gastronomy were demonstrated to be valid and reliable after a thorough development process.Practical implicationsThe findings assist practitioners in recognizing the many aspects of local food attributes, as well as how destination managers can employ these factors to promote a destination.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the theoretical literature on a gastronomic creative city, with more research into the links between destination management and other important concepts. In terms of the outcomes of a creative city of gastronomy management, this study might serve as a reference for destination managers and travel suppliers.

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN COMPETITIVENESS AND SUSTAINABILITY IN TOURISM DESTINATIONS: EXAMINING THE HARD, SOFT, AND MODERATING EFFECTS OF KNOWLEDGE SHARING

This paper aims to assess the impact of hard and soft measures on the competitiveness of tourism destinations. Additionally, this article examines the impact of tourism destination competitiveness on rural tourism sustainability management. Following that, knowledge sharing is used as a moderator variable to demonstrate its moderating effect on the relationship between tourism destination competitiveness and rural tourism sustainability. A total of 390 respondents, including both domestic and international tourists, who visited the six rural tourism destinations in Sarawak, Malaysia, voluntarily participated in this study. A PLS-SEM approach was used to evaluate the developed model, and WarpPLS software was used to perform the PLS estimate and hypotheses testing. The empirical findings indicated that destination appeal, tourism infrastructure, and service quality all have a significant and positive effect on the competitiveness of tourism destinations. Additionally, it was discovered that tourism destination competitiveness has a positive and significant effect on the sustainable management of rural tourism destinations.

Moving towards multipolarity: shifts in the core-periphery structure of international student mobility and world rankings (2000-2019).

Over the past 20 years, international student mobility has experienced a three-fold increase, as planned and emerging education hubs have attracted increasing numbers of students. The appeal of alternative destinations is strengthened by their cultural, linguistic, and geographic proximity, as well as a growing number of internationally ranked universities. This article quantifies shifts in international student mobility and world university rankings over a consequential 20-year period (1999/2000–2018/2019) at the beginning of the twenty-first century. It examines shifts in the number of county-to-country connections (density), relative country importance in the network (centrality), and network structure (multipolarity). The results indicate the overall network density steadily increased year-to-year, with a three-fold increase in the number of country-to-country connections, as influence was more widely and evenly distributed among a larger number of core countries within the network. As the number of universities in planned and emerging destinations listed in the rankings doubled, the network structure indicated a movement toward multipolarity, where a more diverse set of countries exerted greater relative influence in the overall network. The results suggest that while core-periphery dynamics in international student mobility persist, they also have begun to shift, as a larger and more diverse subset of planned and emerging educational hubs in Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East exert increasing influence in the overall network.

Educational travellers and destination appeal: Deconstructing intrinsic motivations

Using self-determination theory, the authors explore whether destination appeal enhances intrinsic motivations to study abroad. Primary data gathered from inbound and outbound educational travellers in Paris, France were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling. It was confirmed that the mediating effect of destination appeal enhances intrinsic motivations for studying abroad. A discussion follows about how destinations can enhance educational travellers’ autonomous decision-making through two self-contextual influences – information and external control. Destination authorities can potentially address a society-wide issue – the lesser performance of extrinsically motivated students. The authors discuss implications for stakeholders, including institutions and DMOs.

Risk Perception of Tourist on the Competitiveness of Tourist Destination in Pattaya, Thailand

With globalization, tourism became a sustainable profitable industry. This study addresses tourist destination’s competitiveness by determining its strength and assessing its weaknesses to attract tourist notwithstanding the threats and opportunities that they also are bestowed. This study is anchored on the Cluster Theory of Michael Porter (1990) that states that to be competitive, firms must continually improve operational effectiveness in their activities while simultaneously pursuing distinctive rather than imitative strategic positions. With the use of mixed research design, wherein, both descriptive quantitative correlational research design was used to determine the relationship between competitiveness and tourist destination appeal and risk of the tourist destination as perceived by the tourist, and the use of qualitative questions to draw significant attributes of Tourism competitiveness by interviewing destination managers as informants, the study revealed the characteristics and the average degree of competitiveness of Pattaya Tourists’ Destinations that tourist perceived them vis-à-vis the low risk that the destination posed upon them. Furthermore, there is no significant relationship between the perceived factors affecting the competitiveness, and risks variables of Pattaya, Thailand as a tourist destination. There is no significant relationship between local and foreign tourist’s perceptions. The study proposed an Enhanced Tourism Development Plan in Pattaya, Thailand.

STRATEGI KOMUNIKASI DAN PEMASARAN EFEKTIF DALAM PENGEMBANGAN DESA WISATA MIRAT

Unique and authentic landscapes attract tourists. Hanging Rock and Camping Ground Arya Kemuning and Sanghyang Dora are natural tourist attractions owned by Mirat Village. As a new tourist destination in Majalengka Regency, the tourism stakeholders of Mirat village play an important role in developing the existing tourism potential to increase the number of tourist visits. This study aims to determine the marketing communication strategy carried out by the village government and Kelompok Sadar Wisata (POKDARWIS), the factors that support and hinder the marketing communication strategy in increasing tourist visits to the Mirat tourism village. This study uses a phenomenological method with a qualitative approach. The data source used is primary with data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results showed that the marketing communication strategy carried out by the village government and Kelompok Sadar Wisata (POKDARWIS) had a positive impact on increasing the number of tourists. The success of the marketing communication strategy is supported by the unique appeal of tourist destinations in Mirat Village. Although there are obstacles in terms of accessibility and amenities, it is hoped that in the future there will be the right solution through alternative shuttle bus transportation to tourist locations and improving the quality of amenities to support tourist comfort.

Outbound medical tourism experience, satisfaction and loyalty: lesson from a developing country

PurposeThe objective of the study is to measure outbound medical tourists' satisfaction and loyalty based on medical tourists' experience from a developing country's perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe medical tourists taken medical services from India constituted the population of this study. By applying a purposive and snowball sampling techniques, samples were selected. Based on the expectation confirmation theory (ECT) and a modified medical tourism experience model, this study empirically analyzed the research hypotheses by applying the partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS–SEM) technique.FindingsThe empirical result revealed that the experience of service quality, medical tourism infrastructure and experience of medical tourism expenses has a direct impact on medical tourists' satisfaction. Furthermore, destination appeal and culture has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between medical tourists' satisfaction and destination loyalty. Multigroup analysis (MGA) was performed to examine group differences of the model. The MGA results revealed that, based on age, the research model remains undifferentiated between groups. In contrast, based on income, the only relationship, medical tourism infrastructure and medical tourists' satisfaction significantly differ between groups, while others remain identical from each other.Practical implicationsThe study results will contribute both theoretically and practically. Theoretically, the study will be a helpful instrument to figure out medical tourists' behavior through the lens of ECT in a developing country’s perspective. Furthermore, practically this study results will assist policymakers and practitioners of medical tourism in formulating strategies and making future decisions effectively.Originality/valueThe study has uniqueness in two aspects. First, the study empirically revealed Bangladeshi medical tourists' experience and behavioral intention to Indian medical tourism destinations. Second, the study’s findings exposed quantifiable insights into the Bangladesh–India medical tourism phenomenon.

Resources Confirmation for Tourism Destinations Marketing Efforts Using PLS-MGA: The Moderating Impact of Semirural and Rural Tourism Destination

This study presents a framework to empirically validate the relationship between the tangible and intangible measures on tourism destination marketing efforts. Uniquely, a case study was developed involving two different nature of tourism destinations (semirural and rural) and is incorporated into the framework to assess its moderating effect on the relationships among the predictors and destination marketing efforts. Two hundred and ninety-three usable responses were collected using a questionnaire survey. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was utilized to perform latent variable and multi-group analyses (MGA). The findings revealed that destination appeal was found to be the biggest concern among tourists visiting semirural and rural tourism destinations in Sarawak. For intangible components, both service quality and destination image were found to be significantly related to destination marketing efforts at a semirural tourism destination. Interestingly, for MGA results, it was worthwhile to learn that the relationship between service quality and destination marketing efforts happened to have a stronger impact on semirural than rural tourism destination. Hence, the proposed framework and research findings from this case study have provided significant insights that help various tourism stakeholders to better strategize and position semirural and rural tourism, particularly in the scenario of Sarawak, Malaysia. Future studies can examine this framework and test at other tourism destinations in Malaysia or in some other countries.

When team play matters: Building revenue management in tourism destinations

Competition between tourism destinations is intensifying, and collaboration between stakeholders can increase destination appeal. Until now, such collaboration has limited itself to governance and marketing. To advance an earlier proposal of destination revenue management (RM), we develop a conceptual framework of instigators and limiters to such cooperation between tourism operators. Next, we synthesize the framework with behavioral game theory (BGT), an extension of classical game theory that challenges the utility maximization-based outcomes of the classical version. BGT incorporates additional aspects, such as reciprocity and fairness, into bargaining and cooperation and supports the feasibility of forming a RM alliance. Based on BGT findings, our synthesis provides theoretical and practical insights into how destinations can improve their competitiveness through cooperation in two important RM areas, pricing and demand creation.

The effect of self-congruity and motivation on consumer-based destination brand equity

Achieving destination appeal and a competitive edge is a priority aim of tourist destination managers. The objective of this study is to help explain the formation of brand equity as a competitive strategy for a tourist destination. A model is proposed, in which complementary variables—internal to the consumer—are taken as antecedents of brand equity, namely, motivation to visit a destination and self-congruity. In achieving this aim, the work responds to key gaps in the literature: the measurement of the effectiveness of destination brand equity as a competitive strategy, the need for greater knowledge regarding the antecedents of destination brand equity, the broadening of the application of the theory of self-congruity in tourism, and the importance of tourist motivation in the consumer’s evaluation of a destination’s brand. The work finds that both determinants exert an effect on brand equity, albeit in distinct ways: motivation is essential in attracting clients to the destination, while self-congruity is vital for retaining them. The study presents a number of implications of interest to the professional sector.

Progress on the role of ICTs in establishing destination appeal

Purpose This paper aims to analyse the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in establishing destination appeal and reflect on the implications for smart tourism destination development. The focus is on identifying and analysing technological solutions by considering six elements shaping tourism destination appeal, namely, attractions, public and private amenities, accessibility, human resources, image and character and price. Design/methodology/approach To deliver public and private sector implications, the authors have reviewed and analysed relevant papers that were published in hospitality and tourism journals (42 Q1 and Q2 ranked journals based on SCImago Journal Rank) between 2010 and 2018. Findings ICTs affect the marketing and management of tourism destinations. They foster their innovativeness (e.g. interpretation of destination factors, new travel trends, innovative products, VA and AR), contribute sustainability (e.g. visitor management and reducing the use of resources) and improve accessibility (e.g. information provision, navigation, availability of sites and travel planning). The adaptation of technological solutions in the hospitality industry can be related to increased productivity, profitability and quality of services. Additionally, ICTs facilitate visitor decision-making (e.g. online distribution channels and information accessibility), influence overall travel experience and enable the sharing of visitors’ impressions. Research limitations/implications The significant limitations of this study include restrictions on the timing of publication and on journal selection. Originality/value This paper reviews full-length research papers that were published in relevant tourism and hospitality journals. This paper complements the current literature by addressing the role of ICTs in establishing destination appeal and reflecting on implications for smart destination development and future research.

Destination appeal through digitalized comments

Brand choice remains under review in the context of service provision. Drawing on schema theory and persuasion theory, this study tests how, in online reviews, valence (positive vs. negative), content style (general vs. specific), and destination familiarity interact and influence digital destination image (DDI) and intention to visit a tourist destination (TD). We run a 2 × 2 × 2 experimental design using a sample of 1055 TripAdvisor users. Our findings suggest that: (i) Positive (vs. negative) online reviews, specific (vs. general) online reviews, and familiarity with a destination enhance DDI and intention to visit a TD; (ii) the impact of the valence of the review on DDI and intention to visit decreases when the destination is familiar vs. unfamiliar; (iii) the impact of the valence of the review on DDI and intention to visit decreases when the review is specific vs. general.

Medical Tourism Experience: Conceptualization, Scale Development, and Validation

While travel for physical well-being has long been a practice, medical tourism is an emerging phenomenon characterized by medical care combined with holiday-making activities. The medical tourism industry has rapidly grown due to exponential growth in the number of medical tourists worldwide. Despite this upsurge in practice, less research attention has been devoted to exploring the experience and perceptions of medical tourists toward the wide range of services available to them at medical destinations. This article conceptualizes a construct called “medical tourism experience” and develops a scale that measures it. A rigorous scale development procedure is employed, and four studies are conducted. Seven dimensions of this construct are explored, namely, treatment quality, medical service quality, medical tourism expense, medical tourism infrastructure, destination appeal, destination culture, and ease of access. The results reveal considerable opportunity for marketers and policy makers to increase the attractiveness of medical destinations and gain sustainable competitive advantages.

Destination Innovation Matrix: A framework for new tourism experience and market development

Abstract Destination managers must consider whether to continue to consolidate their experiences and markets or innovate by developing new experiences and targeting new markets when planning their tourism destination development. Although these approaches are not mutually exclusive, adopting a strategic approach to identifying which experiences will be iconic visitor drawcards featured in the destination's brand image and marketing, and which markets to focus their marketing efforts on, is important to destination competitiveness. Most destination managers adopt a consolidation strategy because this is often the most efficient, safest and least controversial approach. The alternative is to innovate through developing new experiences and attracting new visitor markets to expand the destination's appeal. This paper studies this destination development challenge in a popular, yet mature tourism destination, the Gold Coast, Australia. Four experience development strategy options are proposed and organised into a Destination Innovation Matrix. These options are then tested using an online survey (N = 1759), followed by four focus group interviews. This matrix provides a new framework to assist managers to prioritise innovation opportunities for a destination.

The effect of Cultural Intelligence on consumer-based destination brand equity

Achieving destination appeal and competitiveness is a major priority of tourist destination managers. They must implement new strategies that are distinct from those of their competitors and that influence tourists’ perceptions, attitudes and behaviors and reinforce the brand equity of the destination. The present work focuses on Cultural Intelligence (CQ). CQ increasingly features in business strategy due to the effect of cultural differences and diversity on tourist behavior. The aim is to propose and validate a model that captures the effect of tourists’ CQ on their evaluation of the destination. Using a sample of 503 tourists visiting Spain, the study demonstrates that a tourist’s CQ influences their assessment of destination brand equity and that this relationship is moderated by tourism type. The paper presents a series of implications of interest both to scholars and professionals in the tourism sector.

CSR AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT: GREENING THE ACCOMMODATION SECTOR IN MALAYSIA

One of the core resources for destination appeal stems from the availability of quality accommodation. As destinations compete to improve their global ranking, those responsible for managing the hotel and accommodation sector will play a major role in the delivery of positive destination image.  Hotels like any other product must, like any market-driven business, become attractive “products”. The need to improve skills, particularly those of the front-line service staff, in communicating its corporate responsibility to society effectively to target markets is seen to be critical.  This research paper reports on the findings of a fourteen months study on “Redefining Tourism Management: Identifying Critical Success Factors on Tourism Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility” in Malaysia. It examines the challenges faced by the hotel industry as guests become more selective in terms of accommodation choices while on vacation and comparatively seen as a reflection of their lifestyle at home. A qualitative approach to in-depth interviews was conducted with 64 respondents. This included outbound travel agencies and inbound tour operators, accommodation facilities, tourism related non-government organisations and international tourists vacationing in Malaysia. The evidence has shown that corporate social responsibility can no longer be seen as a trend but has implications on the sustainability of the business and may improve market share in the long term.