Destination Image Research Articles

Multilayered Borders as a Method for Studying Tourism Destinations: A Case of Northern European Border Regions

ABSTRACT The article problematizes tourism destination development in the European borderlands of Denmark–Germany, Sweden–Denmark and Sweden–Finland, where border crossing has been relatively free for decades, except for the time of Covid-19 pandemic border restrictions in 2020–2021. The research contributes to border studies and tourism studies by developing a framework for analyzing tourism destinations through the prism of the multilayered border, with a focus on destination images, attractions, and hosts. The reseach complements previous studies on tourism development and cross-border partnership in the European Union territory by investigating multiple tourism destinations in the border regions and by contemplating to what extent borders form a resource for destination promotion in the aftermath of the pandemic. The examination of regional tourism development through the prism of borders informs us about the compatibility of the idea of a “borderless” Europe with border region “realities.”

Influence of destination image, augmented reality and destination social responsibility on destination beliefs, motivation and intention to visit of tourists which are moderate by digital Wom in Berau District, East Kalimantan

This research aims to prove and analyze the influence of destination image, augmented reality and destination social responsibility on destination trust, motivation and intention to visit moderated by digital word of mouth (WOM) in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan. The sample in this study was 247 respondents. The sampling technique uses purposive non-probability sampling. The data analysis technique in this research is validity and reliability testing using the SPSS V23 application and hypothesis testing using SEM-AMOS. The results of this research show that destination image has a significant effect on destination trust, destination image has a significant effect on motivation, destination image has a significant effect on intention to visit, augmented reality has a significant effect on destination trust, augmented reality has a significant effect on motivation, destination social responsibility has a significant effect on destination trust, destination trust has a significant effect on intention to visit, motivation has a significant effect on intention to visit, augmented reality has a significant effect on intention to visit tourist destinations in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, unacceptable, destination social responsibility has a significant effect on intention to visit in tourist destinations in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, is also unacceptable. The role of digital WOM as a moderator of destination trust on intention to visit is significant.

The Importance of the Role Destination Image, Tourist Motivation to Create Return Interest

The Importance of the Role Destination Image, Tourist Motivation to Create Return Interest

DDMMO Website Quality, Destination Image and Intention to Use Metaverse Platforms

Background/Objectives: Destination Development, Management, and Marketing Organizations (DDMMOs) have the power to influence perceptions and behaviors regarding both actual and virtual travel in the rapidly changing landscape of digital environments. Within newly emerging Metaverse platforms, their websites can serve as critical touchpoints that enhance destination attractiveness and enable visitors to engage in valuable experiences. In this vein, this research attempts to determine if DDMMO website quality and destination image can influence users’ intention to virtually visit a place by using a Metaverse platform. Methods: Users who navigated a European DDMMO website were asked to fill out a self-administered questionnaire, and 318 responses were collected. Then, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the research hypothesis. Results: The results show that website interactivity and affective destination image had a direct positive impact on a user’s intention to use the Metaverse platform. Furthermore, indirect impacts of website design and usefulness and cognitive destination image were detected. Conclusions: DDMMOs and destination marketing experts can gain valuable insights from the outcomes of this research. Thus, focusing on the aforementioned website features can help them enhance destination image and attract users to their Metaverse platforms.

Exploring Thailand as a gastronomic tourism destination: A structural equation model approach

This study aims to construct an integrative model for understanding the factors that shape Chinese tourists’ intentions to visit Thailand as a gastronomic tourism destination. In detail, we investigate the relationships among cognitive experiences, emotional experiences, cultural experiences, affective destination image, cognitive destination image, and the intention to visit Thailand for culinary experiences. Utilizing an online survey method to gather 562 Chinese tourists who have experienced Thai gastronomy, this study continues to use structural equation model to process data. The findings reveal that cognitive, emotional, and cultural experiences significantly influence tourists’ affective and cognitive destination images, positively impacting their intention to visit Thailand for its culinary offerings. The affective and cognitive destination images act as crucial mediators, intricately linking these experiences with travel intentions. This approach improves our understanding of the dynamics involved. It also provides practical insights for developing targeted marketing strategies.

The 2020 Olympic Games’ impact on Japan’s image from German and American perspectives: perils of COVID or the fails of the Olympics?

ABSTRACT This study investigated the influence of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games on Japan’s country and destination images from German and American perspectives while the event took place under strict restrictions due to the global pandemic of COVID-19. The image of Japan before, during, and after the Games and the Olympic Games image and the pandemic’s influence on the Games were measured. The findings revealed that the Americans had significantly stronger positive images of Japan and the Olympics than the Germans. Overall, there was a strong positive correlation between the Olympic Games image and the country and destination images of the host country, indicating a potential spillover effect.

Beyond travel! What’s TRENDing in sustainable tourism? An investigation through the lens of travel influencers’

This study aims to identify factors that social media travel influencers (SMTIs) perceive to contribute to the long-term success of tourist destinations. This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with 22 SMTIs who have a significant presence on different social media platforms. The study identifies five major factors contributing to sustainable tourism which are timings of content sharing, responsible behavior, engagement with followers, promoting natural attractions, and destination image (TREND). To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first studies reporting the perspective of SMTIs on sustainable tourism.

The Communication about Destination Projected Image on Short-form Video Platforms: A Systematic Literature Review

With the continuous innovation of Internet technology, the way of communication is evolving rapidly. Social media enables the creation and dissemination of forms of expression. In today's environment, short videos play a key role in the dissemination of destination image projection, and it is particularly important to build and maintain the virtual image of the destination. This paper systematically reviews the relevant literature and comprehensively analyzes the research on destination image projection in short videos. In the past decade, the relevant research results have steadily increased, covering multiple tourism destinations and platforms. This study includes articles from English peer-reviewed academic journals and discusses them by topic. Through the literature review, this paper explores the direction of current research and outlines future research trends.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Digital Marketing in Enhancing Tourist Experiences and Satisfaction: A Study of Thailand’s Tourism Services

Inbound digital marketing strategies play a vital role in the tourism industry, significantly influencing visitors’ decision-making processes, enhancing tourist experiences, and ensuring post-consumption satisfaction. This study explores the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies in shaping tourists’ perceptions of service quality and sustainability and their subsequent impact on overall satisfaction and behavioural intentions. This paper developed a conceptual framework and hypotheses through a comprehensive literature review to assess the causal relationships between digital marketing effectiveness, perceived destination service quality, perceived destination sustainability quality, tourist satisfaction, and behavioural intention. The empirical analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) on data collected from 195 international tourists in Thailand’s coastal regions. The results reveal that while digital marketing effectiveness directly influences tourists’ perceptions of service and sustainability quality, it indirectly influences tourist satisfaction and behavioural intentions through these perceptions. The findings highlight the critical role of aligning digital marketing strategies with service quality and sustainability initiatives. Moreover, the developed construct serves as a valuable tool for assessing and maintaining the destination image, helping tourism providers to improve their offerings and continuously foster long-term customer relationships.

From social media marketing to sustainable tourism development: how functionalities and destination image support sustainable tourism development

PurposeThis study investigates the influence of social media marketing (SMM) functionalities on perceived destination image (DI) and its dimensions, which in turn impact residents’ support for sustainable tourism development (SSTD). The study also examines the moderated mediation effect of the residency length and resident’s income in the indirect relationship between SMM and SSTD through the DI.Design/methodology/approachThe best technique found appropriate for this study was the survey approach. To gather empirical data, people who currently reside in Alexandria completed 351 questionnaires via an online survey. The questionnaire was translated into Arabic while adhering to back-translation guidelines. SPSS and AMOS software were used to analyze the collected data.FindingsIt is found that there is a direct effect of SMM and its functionalities on overall DI and its dimensions. In addition, DI mediates the relationship between SMM and SSTD. These results hold valuable insights for academicians and practitioners in the tourism industry, potentially informing SMM strategies to support tourism activities.Originality/valueThis research introduces a novel framework emphasizing the functionalities of the SMM as a tool for enhancing both affective and cognitive DI and supporting sustainable tourism development. It contributes to the SMM and SSTD literature by examining the links between SMM functionalities and sustainable tourism development in emerging countries such as Egypt.

Tourists' Intention to Visit Royal Cemetery as a Dark Tourism Destination: The Role of Destination Image, Self-Congruence, and Destination Personality

This study seeks to investigate the effect of destination image, self-congruence, and destination personality on the visitors' intentions to visit the Imogiri Royal Cemetery, Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia. The cemetery is considered a historical and cultural place wherein a few kings and sultans who once ruled Java lie buried. Thousands of tourists visit this place throughout the year, especially on dates that have great significance in the Islamic and Javanese calendars. Data were collected from a convenience sample comprising of 220 tourists in Yogyakarta. Results show that destination image is an antecedent to destination personality, while self-congruence and destination personality each positively relate to the visit intentions of tourists. Conversely, one’s destination image does not predict self-congruence. In contributing to the literature at the intersection of royal and dark tourism, this underpins sustainability in tourist tourism, destination marketing, and consumer behaviour. The implications of such a study are found to fall in line with the United Nations SDGs, specifically Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, regarding the promotion of sustainable tourism, which brings in income and provides employment; and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, due to the fostering of conservation and promotion at the cultural heritage sites.

Leveraging user-generated content (UGC) in pre-travel behavior: A PLS-SEM and necessary conditions analysis (NCA) approach

Online review reading is almost ritualistic before making any purchases. Building on social cognition theory, uses and gratification theory, and stimulus organism response theory, this study explores user-generated content (UGC) attributes affecting intentions to travel via a mediating variable (destination image). Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis and necessary conditions analysis (NCA) on responses ( N = 392) collected online in India, the findings reveal that the perceived novelty of content (PNC) and perceived value of content (PVC) positively influence destination image and behavioral intention. Destination image mediates the relationship between PNC, PVC, and content users’ behavioral intentions. Perceived reliability of content (PRC) positively affects behavioral intention. The findings suggest that adequate PNC, PRC, and PVC levels are necessary to enhance destination image and generate intention to travel. This study contributes to the UGC literature and provides recommendations for stakeholders to improve user experience and enhance destination image perception.

Linking Destination Image and Event Quality with Tourist Satisfaction to Increase Tourism Loyalty in Sampang Regency

The purpose of this study is to examine the structural relationship between destination image, event quality, tourist satisfaction, and tourist loyalty in the context of Madurese cultural arts performances in Sampang Regency, especially those held at Lon-Malang Beach, Toroan Beach and Camplong Beach. The proposed structural model relationship between variables was tested using structural equation modeling with data from 190 respondents utilizing the bootstrapping method. The study findings show a direct correlation between event quality and destination image with the level of tourist satisfaction during their visit to tourist loyalty. There is evidence that tourist satisfaction fully mediates the relationship between destination image and tourist loyalty. This study emphasizes the importance of including event quality in the tourism destination model, and shows that events such as Madurese cultural arts performances are an integral part of a marketing plan aimed at improving destination image, tourist satisfaction, and tourist loyalty.

Modelling tourists’ travel intention: Role of tourism destination image, perceived value and situational involvement

Promoting travelling intention within social media is significant for stakeholders to grasp a new tourism market and cultivate a new model for development of tourism industry. This study aims to understand path of destination image affecting travelling intention, and to investigate the mediation role of perceived value, furthermore, to uncover the role of moderator of situational involvement. This paper conducts a survey on tourists visiting Guilin, collecting 435 questionnaires, and uses the structural equation modeling method to explore how the image of the tourism destination affects tourists’ willingness to travel. The research results indicate that cognitive image, emotional image, and projected image all have a significant positive impact on perceived value, perceived value as a significant mediator to bridge the relationship among the destination image and tourists’ travel intention. Furthermore, situational involvement plays a negative moderating role in the mediating effect of emotional value. This study endeavor will serve to enrich the understanding of perceived value theory, destination image theory, and tourism consumer behavior theory. It will also provide theoretical foundations and policy recommendations for guiding tourism consumer behavior, analyzing destination image perception, and destination marketing.

The Impact of Memorable Tourism Experience, Destination Attributes, and Destination Image on Tourist Loyalty in Poncokusumo Tourism Village, Malang Regency

The purpose of this study is to examine tourist loyalty, as developed through destination attributes, destination image, and memorable tourism experience. This research uses quantitative methods and engages 97 respondents via accidental sampling given to the tourists who have been visited Desa Wisata Poncokusumo twice or more. The data was analyzed using SPSS. The result is the destination attributes and the destination image significantly influence memorable tourism experience. The destination attributes have no significant influence on tourist loyalty, whereas destination image does significantly influence it. Memorable tourism experience also has a significant influence on tourist loyalty. Lastly, memorable tourism experience is able to influence both the destination attributes and tourist loyalty, meaning it acts as a full mediation. Meanwhile, memorable tourism experience is also able to influence between destination image and tourist loyalty, becoming partial mediation. Keywords: destination attributes, destination image, memorable tourism experience, tourist loyalty, tourism village

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Evaluating the Impacts of Digital IMC on Building and Maintaining Destination Brand Equity

In the evolving realm of digital marketing, digital integrated marketing communication (IMC) has emerged as a critical factor in building and maintaining brand equity for sustainable tourism destinations. This research examines the impact of digital IMC consistency and interactivity on establishing destination brand equity, while exploring the interconnections among its various dimensions. Grounded in both empirical and theoretical frameworks, this study collected data via an online questionnaire administered to 435 users of online travel agencies, which was analyzed through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results demonstrate that customer-perceived digital IMC (consistency and interactivity) exerts a significant positive influence on destination brand equity, uncovering the intricate dynamics among destination awareness, image, perceived quality, and loyalty. Notably, destination loyalty is influenced by destination awareness through destination image and perceived destination quality, with destination image having a more significant impact than perceived destination quality. This research is significant in constructing knowledge of IMC in the digital tourism marketing paradigm, shedding light on how the consistency and interactivity of online communication affect various consumer brand equity outcomes. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into digital tourism practices and sustainable development, enriching the discourse regarding how digital IMC enhances destination brand equity.

The Effects of Dynamic Link Between Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) And Medical Tourism: A Study of Medical Tourist Intention in Malaysia and Indonesia

Purpose: The study attempts to examine the behavioural intention of the medical tourist in choosing Malaysia and Indonesia as medical tourism destination. Theoretical framework: There are three determinants (behavior intention, perceived destination image, perceive value and trust as mediator are included in the current study. The theory of Planned Behavior shall form the basis of the conceptual framework for this study. Design/methodology/approach: This descriptive study aims to investigate the phenomenon of medical tourism through questionnaires. It assesses measurement scales for reliability and validity, and explores relationships between perceived destination image, perceived value, and behavioral intention, ultimately seeking to generalize findings to the broader population. Findings: This study illustrates that all the variables are vital in influencing Malaysia and Indonesia as destination for medical tourism. Based on the theory of Planned Behavior have form the basis of the variables. Hence, all antecedent factors need to be taken into consideration which will influence the medical tourists. Research, Practical & Social implications: Future research should focus on the comparative discussion for public hospitals and private hospitals in order to improve Malaysia’s and Indonesia’s performance in competing with other country as well as building trust among the medical tourists so that we (Malaysia and Indonesia) will be their first choice for medical tourism. Originality/value: By understanding the relationships between behavioral intention, destination image, perceived value and trust, the destination country would have a better idea how to and improve their marketing efforts in attracting as many medical tourists as possible.

Developing Destination Brand Equity for Achieving Sustainable Destination Environment: S‐O‐R Theory to Influence Tourists’ Environment Responsible Behavior

The excessive use of natural resources and irresponsible behavior of tourists have posed severe threats to sustainable destination environment. In response, destination managers have been paying more attention to environmental protection and focusing on strategic ways to achieve a sustainable destination environment. Objective of the study is to analyze the influence of destination brand equity (DBE) on tourists’ environmentally responsible behavior (ERB). The study considered four dimensions of DBE, including perceived destination awareness, quality, image, and loyalty. Further, the study explored the interrelationship among the dimensions of DBE and considered perceived destination loyalty (PDL) as a mediator. Further the study explained tourists’ ERB with the serial mediation of perceived destination trust (PDT) and moderation of destination green equity (DGE). The study employed a self-administrative survey method, and data were gathered from 911 respondents who attended selected nature parks. Results for DBE indicated insignificant effect of perceived destination awareness (PDA) on tourists’ ERB, while perceived destination quality (PDQ) and perceived destination image (PDI) have a significant impact on tourists’ ERB. Further results indicated that PDL has significantly mediated all three dimensions of DBE. The results also revealed that PDT and PDL serially mediated the effect of PDA, PAQ, and PDI on tourists’ ERB. Finally, moderation results indicated that DGE significantly moderated the effect of PDQ, PDI, and PDL on tourists’ ERB. The study has enhanced the existing literature on destination branding and tourists’ ERB through Stimuli‐Organism‐Response (S‐O‐R) model. The study has proposed significant branding strategies for destination management to influence tourists’ ERB. The study has also suggested strategies for policymakers and tourism departments.

Understanding the Impact of Destination Image and Infrastructure Quality on the Destination Loyalty in Luoyang City, China

Understanding the Impact of Destination Image and Infrastructure Quality on the Destination Loyalty in Luoyang City, China

Research on the tourist destination image of the Huaiyang Canal based on network data

The Huaiyang Canal, a significant section of the Grand Canal, boasts representative tourist attractions. This study analysis of online reviews from Ctrip and Mahive using R language, Gephi, ROST CM, and SPSS has provided insights into tourists’ perceptions of the Huaiyang Canal’s image. Key findings include: (1) Dominant landscape images encompass gardens, canals, and buildings, emphasizing the historical and cultural assets. Both cultural and natural landscapes equally captivate tourists. (2) The canal’s tourism image perception follows a “garden-history-canal” hierarchy with the canal as the central space and history expanding its tourism features. (3) The perceptions can be categorized into historical and cultural landscapes, man-made projects, and attraction perception. Despite varying tourist numbers in Huaian and Yangzhou, scenic spot experiences are similar. The overall perception of tourists is largely positive, but some express concerns about service attitudes and travel time planning.