Destination Attributes Research Articles

AN INSIGHT INTO THE DRIVERS OF ELECTRONIC WORD OF MOUTH IN TOURISM

There is a growing relevance for electronic word of mouth owing to the transformation induced by digital distribution of products and services. With the rising consumer trust on electronic word of mouth, one of the biggest challenges faced by companies is to motivate authentic customers to provide useful information in the form of reviews. This study has examined the various factors influencing tourist's intent to engage in electronic word of mouth. The results indicate that, belief in reciprocity has substantial influence on tourist's intent to engage in online word of mouth. The other factors which have an effect are tourist's sense of belonging to the online community and their satisfaction with destination attributes. Factors such as satisfaction with hotel attributes, pricing of hotel services, tourist personality score on extraversion scale and consumer involvement with tourism activity does not show any significant influence. Managers of tourism-based sites and tourism facilities need to focus on building appropriate mechanisms to cater to the underlying factors influencing electronic word of mouth intent to ensure that the sites get sustained contribution.

An insight into the drivers of electronic word of mouth in tourism

There is a growing relevance for electronic word of mouth owing to the transformation induced by digital distribution of products and services. With the rising consumer trust on electronic word of mouth, one of the biggest challenges faced by companies is to motivate authentic customers to provide useful information in the form of reviews. This study has examined the various factors influencing tourist's intent to engage in electronic word of mouth. The results indicate that, belief in reciprocity has substantial influence on tourist's intent to engage in online word of mouth. The other factors which have an effect are tourist's sense of belonging to the online community and their satisfaction with destination attributes. Factors such as satisfaction with hotel attributes, pricing of hotel services, tourist personality score on extraversion scale and consumer involvement with tourism activity does not show any significant influence. Managers of tourism-based sites and tourism facilities need to focus on building appropriate mechanisms to cater to the underlying factors influencing electronic word of mouth intent to ensure that the sites get sustained contribution.

Attributes Influencing Overall Tourist Satisfaction and Its Consequences for Muslim-Majority Destination

In the context of Muslim-friendly tourism, marketers have to pay attention to the needs of their main target, Muslim tourists. This study aimed to examine the influence of destination attributes, including both generic and Islamic attributes, on overall tourist satisfaction to get a more comprehensive view. Likewise, this study investigated the effect of overall tourist satisfaction on its consequences. The moderation effect of Islamic religiosity on the relationship between Islamic attributes and overall tourist satisfaction was also considered. An online survey was conducted, with a sample of 231 Muslims who traveled to Muslim-majority cities, and the data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. The results showed that both generic and Islamic attributes positively influence overall tourist satisfaction, while its consequences affected their behavioral, attitudinal loyalty, and churn intention. Overall tourist satisfaction was not found to affect complaint intention. Likewise, the moderation effect of Islamic religiosity was insignificant.

Comparative Study on Tourism Image of China and Japan for the Promotion of Visitation of Korean Travelers

Purpose – The image of destination has an influence on the satisfaction of tourists therefore, DMO (Destination Management Organization) try to find perceived image of own destination for the visitors. This study examined to understand the image of popular tourism destination of Korean outbound market. Design/Methodology/Approach – To conceptualize the image of destination of China and Japan using destination attributes which was suggested by the studies on push and pull factor theory of tourists motivation. According to push-pull theory, choosing a certain destination is the result of the tourists choice based on the interaction between push and pull factors. 24 destination image attributes were adopted for importance-performance analysis. The research was conducted by 220 questionnaires to convention attendees. Findings – According to the survey, it was found that Korean travelers who want to travel to China or Japan prefer destinations that provide intellectual information about rich history and culture, low travel costs and local prices, exciting tourist attractions, beautiful natural scenery, and history and culture. In the regression analysis, respondents were satisfied with natural beauty, historical and cultural places, and low travel expenses in China, and in case of Japan, they were satisfied with various regional festivals and cuisine. Research Implications – This research on image based on the tourism destination attributes give us understanding to understand the motivation of Korean travelers to China and Japan in the perspective of what kind of experience they pursuit in.

DOMESTIC TOURIST SATISFACTION: IMPLICATIONS FOR “ONE COMMUNE ONE PRODUCT” ECO-TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE MEKONG DELTA OF VIETNAM

Eco-tourism being one of six groups of OCOP products plays a key role in the rural economic development. However, there are limited empirical evidences on the impacts of destination attributes of OCOP tourism on tourist satisfaction. Thus, the objective of this current study is to investigate the impacts of OCOP eco-tourism destination attributes on tourist satisfaction. The study conducted face-to-face interviews with 200 eco-tourists and employed exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression. The study found that the shared social and environmental responsibilities - core characteristics of OCOP tourism have the highest effect on tourist satisfaction. The study also provides some policy implications for sustainable development of OCOP eco-tourism destinations in the Mekong Delta.

The Determinant of Decision to Visit Tourism Destination

This study aims to examine how the decision to visit tourists to tourist destinations Tirta Empul Temple Tampaksiring Gianyar Bali. The dependent variable used in this study is the decision to visit, while promotion, destination attributes and place branding are independent variables. The population of the study were visitors who came to the Tirta Empul Temple Tourism Destination, the research sample was 105 people using accidental sampling technique, with a quantitative descriptive approach, using analytical tools. Partial Least Square (PLS) software SmartPLS. The results of the analysis show promotion and destination attributes have a positive and significant effect on place branding with a value of 7.098 and 6.626, respectively, promotion has a positive and insignificant effect on decisions to visit tourist destinations with a value of 1.603, destination attributes have a positive and significant effect on decisions to visit tourist destinations with a value of 1.603. 3,429, place branding has a positive and significant effect on decisions to visit tourist destinations with a value of 4.646, the formation of place branding is more dominantly influenced by destination attributes, and decision making to visit tourist destinations is more dominantly influenced by place branding. Place Branding acts as a full mediator.

Importance–Performance Analysis of Destination Attributes of an Emerging Astrotourism Destination in Kerala, India

Importance–Performance Analysis of Destination Attributes of an Emerging Astrotourism Destination in Kerala, India

ANALYSIS OF DESTINATION ATTRIBUTE AND QUALITY PERCEPTION OF ACEH HALAL TOURISM INTENTION: THE MEDIASION ROLE OF VISITOR SATISFACTION

The COVID-19 pandemic is considered different from previous pandemics because of the extent and number of people infected. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has made almost all joints of the world economy sluggish, as a result it is estimated that the world economy will be in a recession. This also applies in Indonesia, where economic growth is not as expected. One of the sectors most impacted by this virus is the tourism industry and its derivatives, so it is very important to know and determine the right strategy in managing and seeing tourism opportunities in the midst of the pandemic and the aftermath as an effort to develop the world of sustainable tourism. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of tourist satisfaction and perceived quality on the intention of halal tourism in the midst of a pandemic and in the future. Research on travel intentions in the midst of a pandemic, especially during the COVID-19 period, is still very limited, so that it will have an impact in the future, so further research needs to be carried out in a different context from the limitations of previous research. The research stages include; data observation, determining the main problem, the purpose of the activity, literature study, data collection, data processing, analysis of results, and evaluation of research results. This research is based on the theoretical framework of Destination Attributes and Perceived Quality. This study seeks to analyze the intentions of tourists traveling in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic among the people of Aceh, Indonesia, and world tourists who travel to Banda Aceh City, Aceh Province. The data analysis method used a partial least squares (PLS) statistical approach with the structural equational model (SEM) method to see the direct and indirect effects (mediation). The findings of this study are expected to contribute to more effective planning for restoring the tourism business, specifically halal tourism and for the development of measures for destination attributes and visitor satisfaction and security in tourism services, now and in the future. The outputs in this study consist of research reports, articles in accredited national journals and produce HKI (copyright). The resulting TKT level of research is TKT 3.

Audiovisual fiction and tourism promotion: The impact of film and television on the image of tourist destinations and contributions from textual analysis

The first studies of film and television as inducers of tourism appeared in the 1990s. In light of the role these media play in tourist decisions, studies of the capacity of audiovisual fiction to project a unique image of tourist attractions and destinations or to influence audience perceptions of them are particularly important. However, ever since research of this kind began, it has suffered from significant theoretical and methodological shortcomings associated mainly with the lack of an interdisciplinary approach. Most of the research has been in the field of tourism and marketing studies, with only a limited number of contributions from film and television studies. The objective of this article is to offer a critical review of studies exploring the relationship between audiovisual fiction and tourist destination image. The aim is to identify their conceptual shortcomings and to point out possible solutions with reference to audiovisual textual theory and analysis. The article begins with the identification of the main areas studied in this research: the effect on the attributes of tourist destinations and on their overall image, stereotypes, and the capacity of audiovisual fiction to vest the locations where their stories are set with different connotations. This is followed by an analysis of studies that exhibit more of an interdisciplinary approach by combining audiovisual studies and tourism studies. The article then addresses the debate over the types of audiovisual productions that researchers argue have the greatest tourism-inducing capacity. Finally, the conclusions point out possible future lines of research based more on explanation than on description, recommending the systematic incorporation of textual analysis into research on film-induced tourism, and particularly on its impact on tourist destination image.

Marketing messages for post-pandemic destination recovery- A Delphi study

What is the best way to communicate with American outbound visitors as the travel recommences after the COVID-19 pandemic? This timely study aimed to find answers to this question faced by many destinations. To this end, ideas were sought from industry and academic experts on what message features may positively influence American visitors international travel intentions following the COVID-19 pandemic. Three rounds of conventional Delphi research delivered fifteen message features, eight of which attained panel consensus. These included COVID-related features such as safety , accurate pandemic information , a show of open outdoor spaces , and building visitor confidence along with destination-related features including positive destination attributes, authentic local experience, locals support , and reminder of joys of travel . Each message feature is discussed in detail with implications to the prescribed context.

The Influence of Destination Attributes and Quality of Experience on Return Visit Interest

This study aims to determine and analyze the Destination Attributes and Service Quality towards Return Visit Interest (Case Study of Floating Market Bandung). The research design used is casual research. The sampling technique used is non-probability sampling; the sampling technique used and suitable for this research is convenience sampling. Of the samples used are 125 samples meet the criteria. The data method uses a questionnaire. The findings in this study indicate that destination attributes have a positive and significant effect on return visit interest, and experience quality has a positive and significant effect on return visit interest. Keywords: Destination Attributes, Service Quality, Return Visit Interest DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/59-03 Publication date: December 31 st 2021

Cultural Destination Attributes, Overall Tourist Satisfaction and Tourist Loyalty: First Timers versus Repeaters

This paper analyses the effects of the cultural attributes of tourist destinations on the satisfaction levels of visitors and the impact of this satisfaction rating on visitor loyalty. Additionally, a multiple-group analysis was conducted to compare the responses of first-time visitors and repeat visitors. For this study, a self-administered questionnaire was used to survey 411 international tourists who were visiting Istanbul, Turkey, through convenience sampling. The findings indicated that cultural attractions at the destination impacted the overall satisfaction rating of the visitors, and that this specific satisfaction rating determined the loyalty of the tourist to return to the destination. This relationship between cultural attractions, satisfaction and visitor loyalty was a significant factor for both groups.

Segmenting the Chinese Tourist in Long-Haul Travel toward Coastal and Marine Destinations: A Case of Ecuador

ABSTRACT The present study tries to understand tourist satisfaction by conducting an empirical study in the province of Santa Elena, located on the central coast of Ecuador. The study sets the following objectives in coastal and marine tourism related to the demand of Chinese tourists: (i) Identify the factors related to the satisfaction of the Chinese tourist demand; (ii) Establish the chinese tourist segments based on the satisfaction and sociodemographic characteristics of the demand; and (iii) Identify the relationship between segments of Chinese tourist demand and return visit intentions, recommendation, and speaking positive things about the destination. The study was carried out on Chinese tourists who had visited the central coast of Ecuador. It was conducted on a sample of 377 individuals. For data analysis, exploratory factor analysis and a cluster analysis were performed. This work identified three underlying dimensions that interpret the satisfaction of the Chinese tourist in marine and coastal environments: General attributes satisfaction, Nature Environmental satisfaction and Service satisfaction. A segmentation procedure based on destination dimensions produced three clusters: ´Higher-satisfied´, ´Low-satisfied´ and ´Satisfied´. The conclusions and implications of the study suggest improvements in terms of promotion and commercialization of the different attributes of the tourist destination.

Who killed food tourism? Unaware cannibalism in online conversations about traveling in Italy

PurposeA food tourism destination can fully exploit its competitiveness if food-related attributes are consistently highlighted both in its promotion and in user-generated content. However, in the context of food tourism research, a possible image incongruence has not yet been studied. Tourism destination image incongruence occurs when different travel information sources reflect inconsistent representations of a destination's attributes. This study addresses this gap, focusing on Italian food and wine as drivers to attract visitors. This study examines whether food-related attributes are present in online travel-related conversations and are perceived differently by people with and without knowledge about the destination.Design/methodology/approachContent analysis based on a Bayesian machine-learning technique utilizing Leximancer software was applied to analyze questions and answers posted on TripAdvisor forums by potential and past visitors of four destinations in Italy (Naples, Florence, Parma and Ferrara). Questions and answers expressed by people with different knowledge in Italian and English were analyzed separately to gain deeper understanding.FindingsContrary to expectations, food-related themes were almost completely absent in the conversations analyzed, with only a few exceptions in Italian question sections. This situation depicts a sort of “cannibalism”, in the sense that the centrality of food-related attributes is engulfed by other, less sensorial, enjoyable and memorable aspects of the travel experience.Research limitations/implicationsAnalysis suggests that hype may exist in food tourism promotion related to destination image incongruence. However, while based on a large volume of conversations, the analysis covers only four Italian cities.Practical implicationsDestination management organizations (DMOs) should develop their strategy and communication considering internal and external elements: their marketing targets on one side and the local culture and attractions' perceptions on the other. Standard marketing processes (segmenting, targeting, positioning) and theories should be put in place. The application of standard marketing dynamics and studies should push the DMOs to understand that the internally perceived cultural values of the touristic destinations could not be known or joint univocally by the global external customers and that a local promotional activity should start with branding and not commercial activities.Originality/valueThis is the first study to suggest the existence of hype in food tourism promotion of Italian destinations and to provide evidence supporting this argument.

How to create flow experience during travel: The role of destination attributes

Despite numerous studies investigating flow experience in the adventure tourism context, there is a lack of research concentrating on tourists’ flow experience during travel. This study aims to explore the relationships amongst destination attribute perceptions, flow experience (consisting of focus attention, time distortion, and loss of self-consciousness components), and satisfaction variables. By adapting a quantitative research method, 938 data were collected from British, German, and Russian tourists visiting Antalya, Turkey. The study results reveal that destination attribute perceptions significantly affect flow experience components, which influence tourist satisfaction. Theoretical and practical implications of the study findings are discussed, and some recommendations concerning future research are provided.

Small-Scale Sport Events as Place Branding Platforms: A Content Analysis of Osona’s Projected Destination Image through Event-Related Pictures on Instagram

Over the last few decades, various regions have taken advantage of sport as a tool for place branding. One of the most used strategies has been sporting events, which can help to position the regions and improve their image. With regard to destination image (DI), the penetration and popularity of social media such as Instagram has opened new avenues for place promotion and has turned the users of these platforms into active agents in the promotion of DI. This study aims to explore whether the participants and organisers of small-scale sport events (SSSEs) can contribute to the creation of destination image through the content they post on Instagram. For this purpose, the content of 1315 photographs posted by SSSE participants and organisers on Instagram was analysed. The results show that the photographs related to SSSEs reproduce destination attributes of the region and, consequently, are a source of DI creation. The results also show the importance of the specific moment of the event both in the DI and in the engagement of the posts. This research provides valuable information on the management of Instagram in the context of SSSEs, on the importance of the characteristics of the starting and finishing lines and of the course of the event; and on the desirability of aligning the perspective of the organisers and participants to maximise the potential for the creation of DI through SSSEs.

Family Business, Resilience, and Ethnic Tourism in Yunnan, China

The expansion in commodification through tourism and the transformation of communities and heritages into destination attributes have become the centre of tourism research facing the COVID-19 crisis. Since small family businesses comprise the majority of the tourism industry, theories and practices on surviving the crisis are urgently required. This research attempts to clarify the level of business resilience during the COVID-19 lock down when business can only be conducted at home with very few visitors. It provides insights on family businesses in Yunnan, China, moving ahead with ethnic tourism against the lockdown and shutdown of tourism industry. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. The researchers invited previous research respondents who agreed to continue for online interviews. Eight interviewees were selected by purposive sampling. Although the COVID-19 crisis was unexpected, external shocks need to be taken into account for business planning. Tourism will not necessarily grow massively in the total number of visitors as the destinations have become saturated. The diversification of a tourism business facilitates the resilience of the firm by venturing into other areas of practice, including taking advantage of online platforms in selling local food and herbs, live broadcasting the local flora and fauna, teaching school children in making the traditional pickles, and other business extensions from tourism. Businesses are working together with other stakeholders in the effort of overcoming the COVID-19 crisis. Previous visitors from not only China but also overseas, who have kept in touch with the hosts in Yunnan, are becoming part of the supporting team for the business. However, there appears to be a lack of coordination in the community when businesses are isolated. There is a call for skills in using technology for online business, complementarity in the community, and policy support in the ethnic family businesses. Small family businesses in ethnic Yunnan are actively adapting and progressing despite the odds. They are resilient in times of crisis, with a strong presence of entrepreneurship, diversification of activities, re-organising resources, and digital literacy. The research sheds light on how community-based small family businesses surviving the crisis through resilience, entrepreneurship, and celebrating their ethnic cultures in tourism. Small-scale tourism closely linked with the community, family, and people may provide more promising prospects for tourism.

Halal destination attributes and revisits intention: the role of destination attractiveness and perceived value

PurposeThe growing numbers of Muslims visiting halal destinations motivated this study to explore halal destination attributes and revisit intention. This study aims to investigate how halal destination attributes affect destination attractiveness. Hence, it identifies the influence of halal destination attributes on perceived value, including functional and emotional value. It also verifies the effect of destination attractiveness on both functional value and emotional value. Finally, this framework verifies the effect of functional value and emotional value on revisit intention.Design/methodology/approachThis study collects data from visitors who have visited a halal destination located in three cities of Central Java Province in the past two years (2019–2020) using purposive sampling methods. A total of 314 respondents participated in this study and the data are analyzed by using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe result showed that halal destination attributes positively and significantly impact destination attractiveness. Moreover, halal destination attributes positively and significantly affect both functional and emotional value. Destination attractiveness positively and significantly affects functional value, as well as emotional value. Concerning the effect of functional value and emotional value on revisit intention, only emotional value positively and significantly affects revisit intention while functional value does not.Originality/valueThis study contributes to city tourism by elucidating halal destination attributes based on the means-ends theory. The results of this study reported the importance of halal destination attributes and the role of halal destination attractiveness and emotional value in enhancing Muslim travelers’ revisit intention to halal destination.

Convergence and Integration of the MICE and Maritime Industries: An Analysis of the MICE Industry of Busan

Oh, C.; Nam-Jo, S.K., and Kim, K.-B., 2021. Convergence and integration of the MICE and maritime industries: An analysis of the MICE industry of Busan. In: Lee, J.L.; Suh, K.-S.; Lee, B.; Shin, S., and Lee, J. (eds.), Crisis and Integrated Management for Coastal and Marine Safety. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 114, pp. 365–369. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. This study examines whether Busan's exemplary MICE (Meeting, Incentive tour, Convention, Exhibition) environment can accelerate the development of various core industries, especially the maritime industry, when convergence and integration occur with MICE. Prior research suggests that the introduction of new products, services and technologies at conventions has a direct effect on the development of related industries by increasing awareness and attracting new participants. Busan hosts exhibitions and conventions that attract professionals from the maritime industry. The participants of marine-related MICE events in Busan were surveyed to examine the current status and the future of the maritime industry and the MICE industry. A focus group interview with 11 MICE industry professionals was first conducted to examine and verify the attributes of the MICE destination. Secondly, the Analysis Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used with 41 professionals to test the importance of the attributes in the survey items. Finally, a survey of 217 people who attended marine-related exhibitions in BEXCO was conducted to examine the strengths and weaknesses of Busan as a MICE destination for the maritime industry. The findings revealed that the city's key strengths are site environment with attractive climate and safe environment, transportation infrastructure, and level of cooperation within the MICE industry. However, the level of cooperation between the MICE industry and maritime industry needs improvement.

A Smart Tourism Recommendation Algorithm Based on Cellular Geospatial Clustering and Multivariate Weighted Collaborative Filtering

Tourist attraction and tour route recommendation are the key research highlights in the field of smart tourism. Currently, the existing recommendation algorithms encounter certain problems when making decisions regarding tourist attractions and tour routes. This paper presents a smart tourism recommendation algorithm based on a cellular geospatial clustering and weighted collaborative filtering. The problems are analyzed and concluded, and then the research ideas and methods to solve the problems are introduced. Aimed at solving the problems, the tourist attraction recommendation model is set up based on a cellular geographic space generating model and a weighted collaborative filtering model. According to the matching degree between the tourists’ interest needs and tourist attraction feature attributes, a precise tourist attraction recommendation is obtained. In combination with the geospatial attributes of the tourist destination, the spatial adjacency clustering model based on the cellular space generating algorithm is set up, and then the weighted model is introduced for the collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm, which ensures that the recommendation result precisely matches the tourists’ needs. Providing precise results, the optimal tour route recommendation model based on the precise tourist attraction approach vector algorithm is set up. The approach vector algorithm is used to search the optimal route between two POIs under the condition of multivariate traffic modes to provide the tourists with the best motive benefits. To verify the feasibility and advantages of the algorithm, this paper designs a sample experiment and analyzes the resulting data to obtain the relevant conclusion.