Perceived Destination Image Research Articles

Destination Image Perception of Tourists to Guangzhou—Based on Content Analysis of Online Travels

It is said that Guangzhou is an indefinable city. This paper analyzed the online travels from www.mafengwo.cn to study the destination image perception of tourists to Guangzhou. Content analysis was used to investigate the destination image perception of tourists from two aspects, namely cognitive image and affective image. Then by comparing the image of Guangzhou positioning in the literature with the online travels image, the paper concluded that Lingnan, Ram City and delicious food were more important in tourists’ perception. The results can provide reference when the government promotes the Guangzhou destination image.

USER GENERATED CONTENT IN THE ASSESSMENT OF THE PERCEPTION OF THE TOURISM ENTITY IMAGE

The paper presents the results of analyses concerning the possible use of User Generated Content (UGC) to assess the perception of the image of tourism entities, acting in the travel destinations with high tourist potential. The scientific method applied in the study was the internet survey comprising the quantitative and qualitative content analysis. The quantitative content analysis was focused on the number of a comments and metatags and on assigning them to the suiting factorial parameters. The qualitative content analysis was focused on the essence of the analysed metatags and comments in the context of image shaping factors presented by Baloglu and McCleary (1999). Based on the selected parameters of the model proposed by Baloglu and McCleary, and in order to create a matrix of the distinguishing features of the image used in the promotion, the elements of the website content of agri-tourism farms located in the Bialowieza (BNP) and Narew (NNP) national parks were analysed. It was assumed that the chosen content of web sites (metatags) was a direct expression of the manner of perception of the travel destination image by the persons engaged in tourism activities there. For the purpose of the analysis of these entities image perception by tourists, a separate matrix, based on the examination of their opinions, left behind at online tourist offers comparison sites, has been created. The resulting matrices were compiled and the main distinguishing features of the image were indicated from the perspective of both groups. According to the owners of tourist farms from the BNP area the main distinguishing feature of the image of this area are natural values; though the distinguishing features regarding the quality of products and tourism services are slightly less important. Similar conclusions can be drawn based on the data obtained by analysing the opinions of tourists. On the other hand, for the NNP, the dominant role of features related to the quality of products and tourism services was confirmed. It was found that the analysis of the UGC may constitute an important factor allowing for tracing the dynamics of changes in image perception by tourists, which enables for efficient creation of the image of the entity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.em.19.3.8127

Assessing tourists' perceptions and behaviour through photographic and blog analysis: The case of Chinese bloggers and New Zealand holidays

This study used thematic analysis to identify the perceived destination image held by Chinese tourists to New Zealand. By analysing 6968 photographs from 384 blog entries posted by Chinese visitors, ten themes of New Zealand as a tourism destination were identified. The findings indicate a reinforcement of New Zealand's branding based on natural landscapes but subsidiary purposes are of interest. These include the role of tourist bloggers as sources of information to their readers. Additionally the results indicate that content analysis of visual materials in blogs, when read with accompanying text, provide rich information about perceived destination image. It is suggested that online photographs and blogs are not only valuable information sources for potential visitors, but also an effective way to understand the Chinese market. Based on the results, implications for destination marketing are discussed.

Matching tourism type and destination image perceptions in a country context

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to investigate the possible options for matching country destination image with different types of tourism to explain general attributes towards specific forms of tourism, based on previous research on country of origin effects. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative research design is used for the purpose of the study. Findings – Data analysis demonstrates that the perception of the destination image in a country context varies across various types of tourism in most of the cases investigated. Moreover, the research outcomes portray a close relationship between the match of country image – tourism type and the willingness to visit a destination. Practical implications – The study assists tourism practitioners and policy makers in gaining a better understanding of whether tourists conceive all forms of tourism in a specific country favourably, simply because they link favourable dimensions to that particular country, or whether they perceive only certain types of tourism favourably. Originality/value – This study is among the first to empirically demonstrate the effect of match/mismatch of country destination image with the type of tourism on the willingness to visit, based on specific primary travel motives.

Regional destination image perception of tourists within a winescape context

This study's purpose is to conceptualise a wine regional destination's perceived image, in the process integrating multiple theories such as servicescape, place-based and destination choice. The research (n = 334 respondents) outlines the conceptualisation of a wine region destination's image in the form of a winescape framework as perceived by visitors. The winescape construct is identified within a framework of eight dimensions for a well-known US wine region. The most important winescape dimension is the natural beauty/geographical setting. The first-time and repeat visit dynamic impacts upon visitors' wine tourism behaviour and perception of the region's winescape. For in-state and out-of-state-based visitors there are pronounced differences in their perception of the region's winescape dimensions. Increasing distance from the destination region is pivotal in the perception of the winescape dimensions. The decision to engage in wine tourism is seemingly impulsive from a timing viewpoint, and the motivations guiding the visitors' behaviour are mainly of a hedonic nature.

Using Chinese Travel Blogs to Examine Perceived Destination Image

This study uses content analysis to identify the perceived destination image held by Chinese tourists to New Zealand. In this study, qualitative content analysis is the primary mode of analysis, but quantitative methods are used as a support. The findings reveal the main components of New Zealand, as perceived by Chinese tourists, as being the possession of a protected ecological environment, a variety of activities, and a highly developed society with a “Pakeha” culture. The study also indicates that Chinese cultural norms play an important role in the process of perception formation and interpretation. These norms include the desire for harmony, Li, and a respect of authorities. It is suggested that blogs are an important resource by which destination marketing organizations can seek to influence potential tourists and by which tourist perceptions of place can be assessed.

Information sources and perceived destination image: insights from an empirical study in India

This paper seeks to examine the level of importance domestic tourists’ accord to different information sources and its impact on perceived destination image. The primary goal of this study is to explore the heterogeneous patterns in the representative sample based on their inclination for a particular category of information source. Based on a survey administered to 178 respondents from Ooty, India; cluster analysis was employed to identify different segments of tourists. The results indicate that tourists can be classified into different segments based on their importance for information sources. Further, consumer segments differ in their perception about destination image on several dimensions. Also, demographic profiles of the different tourist segments and the tourist ratings on the cognitive destination image and affective image dimensions were examined. These results are important to academicians, researchers, government and tourism marketers as they provide a base for segmenting tourists and secondly in measuring and improving the destination image.

Destination Personality, Affective Image, and Behavioral Intentions in Domestic Urban Tourism

The collective influence of destination personality and affective image on overall image formation of a domestic urban destination and subsequently its influence on tourists’ behavioral intentions were examined in this study. The sample consisted of 361 urban tourists and included both past visitors and nonvisitors of the urban destination under study. Data analysis confirmed the influential role of destination personality and affective image in the formation of overall destination image in both samples. In turn, overall image was a mediator of the relationships of destination personality and affective image with tourists’ behavioral intentions (i.e., intention to revisit the urban destination and intention to recommend the destination to others). Analysis of the data supported a two-factor solution of the destination personality construct, with the personality traits of sincerity and excitement emerging in the domestic urban context to influence past visitors’ and nonvisitors’ overall destination image perceptions.

Perceived Destination Image

The purpose of this study is to develop a destination image model that shows how the overall destination image of a winter sports destination is defined and how it affects the intention to revisit. The article undertakes a review of the relevant literature and develops a structural equation model for destination image, which is tested with data from a survey of n=795 winter sports tourists in Oberstdorf (Germany) and Saalbach-Hinterglemm (Austria), collected between February 14 and 28, 2011. The model depicts that destination image is a multidimensional concept including important sports characteristics and has an impact on tourists’ intention to revisit the winter sports destinations. Practical implications for tourism marketers, for instance, include that more structural development and architectual changes have to be implemented carefully to maintain the tourists’ perception of landscape or their overall image of the destination.

ALGILANAN DESTİNASYON İMAJININ TAVSİYE DAVRANIŞI ÜZERİNE ETKİSİ: SAFRANBOLU'DA BİR ARAŞTIRMA

The main aim of this study is to determine the effect of perceived destination image on the attitude of recommendation. Accordingly the research was carried out with tourists who visited Safranbolu. In this study, data was obtained from 287completed questionnaires. The data was analyzed with SPSS 15 statistics programme. In this research, destination image was analyzed in terms of service and facilities, peaceful environment, historical structure and environment along with infrastructure. In this context, a positive correlation was observed between perceived destination image factors and the attitude of recommendation of tourists. Especially a highly positive correlation was discovered between “peaceful environment”, “historical structure and environment”, “infrastructure”, and the attitude of recommendation.

Same, Same but Different: Perceptions of South Pacific Destinations Among Australian Travelers

ABSTRACT The South Pacific has a long history of being portrayed as a tropical paradise. Similar imagery is depicted for different destinations in the region, creating one homogeneous place. The issue for destination marketing organizations is how to attract tourists to their particular destination. This study surveys Australian travelers' awareness, visitation history, and perceptions of destination image for a range of South Pacific destinations. The study examines the extent to which Australians perceive these South Pacific destinations as similar or different to each other on a range of attributes. The findings reveal there are many common features of the destinations; hence, there is a large degree of substitutability between destinations.

Environmentally Responsible Behavior in Ecotourism: Exploring the Role of Destination Image and Value Perception

Creating more environmental awareness among tourists and inducing environmentally responsible behavior is an essential precondition for, as well as consequence of, ecotourism. The aim of this study is to explore what role destination image and value perception play in shaping environmentally responsible behavior. A survey involving 332 valid questionnaires was conducted at an ecological area in Southern Taiwan. The results of structural equation modeling show that the cognitive image of the eco-site induces environmentally responsible behavior via its affective image and tourists' perceived value. Affective image and perceived value can subsequently enhance the environmental consciousness of tourists and their specific concern for the ecological environment, thus enhancing their environmentally responsible behavior at the eco-site. With environmentally responsible behavior an essential aspect in ecotourism, this study emphasizes destination image and value perception as important antecedents to environmentally responsible behavior. The study concludes with managerial suggestions.

Differences in Perceived Destination Image and Event Satisfaction Among Cultural Visitors: The Case of the European Biennial of Contemporary Art “Manifesta 7”

The destination image reflects the impressions and ideas tourists have of a holiday region and strongly influences visitors' behavior. Visitors to cultural events have differing images of destinations according to their interest in seeing the event itself. Destination managers can exploit the factors that influence the destination image and customer satisfaction with a cultural event in order to successfully position the destination and improve communication. Destination image, quality of event, and customer satisfaction are highly related, and this study analyzes these factors for three differently motivated groups of visitors. An empirical investigation of visitors at 2008 Manifesta 7, the European Biennial of Contemporary Art, was conducted in order to ascertain differences among groups according to these variables. The results show that differentiation of promotion measures is needed depending on the single items that influence satisfaction with cultural event and tourist offerings.

The Perceived Destination Image of Hangzhou City of China as Received in the Travel Blogs of Western Tourists

This study explored travel blogs as a manifestation of travel experience, along with the destination image of Hangzhou city of China from the perspective of western tourists. Frequency analysis, semantic network analysis as well as content analysis were taken in this study which aims to reveal the perception of western travelers to Hangzhou. The data for this study was from the blogs of western tourists who had been to Hangzhou. Empirical results revealed that the overall perceived destination image of Hangzhou was positive, with particular strengths in tourist attractions and major weaknesses in meals and transportation.

The relationship between travel constraints and destination image: A case study of Brunei

This study evaluated the relationship between travel constraints and destination image of young travelers to Brunei. This study found a significant relationship between destination image and travel constraints during the early decision-making process. This study concluded travel constraints impact on the formation of destination image during the early decision-making process. Study results contribute to the body of knowledge in two areas. First, four dimensions of travel constraints and three dimensions of perceived destination image were identified. In addition to the 3-dimension hierarchal constraints (structural, intrapersonal, and interpersonal), a new constraint dimension (unfamiliar cultural constraints) was revealed. Second, this study confirmed the relationship between travel constraints and destination image. Relatively few studies address the role of travel constraints to the formation of destination image. This is the first study providing empirical evidence demonstrating Brunei’s destination image and travel constraints impact young travelers during the early decision-making process.

Erratum

In the article by Kyriaki (Kiki) Kaplanidou, Jeremy S. Jordan, Daniel Funk, and Lynn L. Ridinger titled “Recurring Sport Events and Destination Image Perceptions: Impact on Active Sport Tourist Behavioral Intentions and Place Attachment” appearing in JSM 26(3) May 2012, the name Lynn L. Ridinger was misspelled. We regret the error.

Destination Image Saturation

ABSTRACT Offering travel information sources to potential tourists can be expensive, although the importance of the amount and variety of travel information sources has been stressed in many studies. Therefore, it would be useful to examine how much exposure to travel information would lead to optimal results. Effects of exposure time to travel information on destination image were examined in this study. Two hypotheses were suggested to account for the relationships between exposure time to travel information and destination image. Specifically, the first hypothesis was related to a linear trend, while the second one was related to a quadratic trend in the conceptual relationships. A posttest-only control group design was used, and 312 undergraduate students were recruited at six colleges. Multivariate analysis of variance and a series of quadratic regression analyses were used to test the two hypotheses. Results demonstrated that there were both linear and quadratic trends in the relationships between exposure time to travel information and destination image. Findings also provided empirical evidence for a saturation effect on perceived destination image formation. Therefore, an optimum level between information exposure and perceptions was suggested.

Recurring Sport Events and Destination Image Perceptions: Impact on Active Sport Tourist Behavioral Intentions and Place Attachment

Hosting recurring sport events can be a solution for sustainable tourism development resulting in destination loyalty and higher place attachment levels. This study proposes active event sport tourists may include in their destination perceptions a number of destination and event attributes, given the direct association of the event with the place. The feasibility of the convergence of event and destination image attributes in one scale was explored and that scale’s influence on place attachment and on specific active sport tourists’ behaviors was examined. Data were collected from sport event tourist participants (n = 2,015) at a recurring marathon event via an online survey. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed the factor structure of destination image to include event characteristics. Regression analysis was used to test the impact of destination image factors on behavioral intentions and place attachment and supported the predictive validity of destination image factors. Implications for event and destination marketers are discussed.

Investigating the determinants of travel blogs influencing readers' intention to travel

The purpose of this study is to propose and examine a new research model that can capture affective, cognitive and cyber-interactive elements influencing travel blog readers' behavioural intention to travel through affecting their perceived destination image. A survey of 323 blog participants found a strong support for the model. The results indicated that travel blog participants' perceptions of destination image could be a strong predictor of their travel intention. Factors assisting in building affective images (e.g. generating empathy, experiencing appeal) as well as cognitive images (e.g. providing guides) and facilitating interpersonal interactions (e.g. social influence, cybercommunity influence) were found to be critical components significantly influencing bloggers' perceptions of destination image. Theoretical and practical implications of the results were discussed.

Tourist Word of Mouth and Revisit Intentions to Rural Tourism Destinations: a Case of North Dakota, USA

ABSTRACTDestination managers in rural states, like North Dakota, understand the benefits of tourism and, thus, the importance of studying visitors' intentions. This study investigated visitors' perceptions of destination image, value and satisfaction and those variables’ relationship with future behaviors, with a specific focus on their intent to return and make recommendations to others. The results showed that destination image directly affects visitors' perception of value and revisit intentions, and it indirectly affects satisfaction and recommendation intentions. The results also demonstrate how tourism practitioners can apply past models to their destination. The overall findings support the concept that a positive image is important to attracting repeat visitors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.