Characteristics of destination image: visitors and non-visitors' images of London

Purpose: This paper aims to explore the characteristics (i.e., complex, specific) of destination image as perceived by visitors and non-visitors to a tourist place. Design/methodology/approach: Overall, 42 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Czech and Greek visitors and non-visitors to London, UK. From the 21 interviews in each country, 11 conducted with visitors and 10 were with non-visitors to London. Findings: A number of characteristics of the image of London were identified that differed across visitors and non-visitors, irrespective of respondents’ nationality, including specificity and complexity of image. Research limitations/implications: The characteristics of image of different types of destinations (i.e., rural, seaside resorts) need to be assessed in the future, as this study focused on a well-known urban destination. Practical implications: The study provides support for effective and innovative solutions to place marketing and branding of tourist destinations. For example, greater complexity and more specific images should be used to attract the repeating visitors market. Originality/value: The paper’s originality lies in providing a better understanding of the characteristics of destination image, as perceived by visitors and non-visitors to a tourist place

Islands and destination image: the case of Ios

This study was conducted to identify the image of Ios as a tourist destination as perceived by the visitors, in order to contribute to the formation of an effective marketing plan. The strengths and weaknesses of the image of Ios were measured and presented, accompanied with a number of recommendations. The findings revealed that Ios has a very strong destination image as a party island, with the majority of the visitors being international young students coming to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and the party mood of the island. As a result, Ios needs to strengthen its image compared to other islands or destinations which offer the same product, by promoting its competitive advantages, such as; the nightlife, the relatively low prices, the relaxing atmosphere and the friendliness of the locals

International and domestic tourists' "a priori" and "in situ" image differences and the impact of direct destination experience on destination image: the case of Linz, Austria

A profound understanding of destination image and its determinants is of significance for destinations aiming to effectively position themselves in the tourism market. However, existing research on destination image formation has mainly focused on the “a priori” and “a posteriori” stages and paid only limited attention to the “in situ” stage. To fill in this gap, this study examines the effect direct destination experience and visitors’ nationality (domestic vs. international), have on both “pre-travel” and “in-situ” cognitive and affective elements of image. The study was conducted using 400 international and domestic visitors to Linz, Austria. The findings indicate that there are significant differences in the way domestic and international tourists perceive Linz as a tourist destination both prior and during the actual experience. The study also provides empirical evidence that direct destination experience plays a major role in destination image formation, irrespectively of individual’s nationality. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are also discussed

Influences on Destination Loyalty

Dr. Asli D.A. Tasci from UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management and fellow researchers have undertaken research in the popular tourist destination of Antalya, Turkey to investigate destination loyalty. The study explores whether place-oriented or people-oriented factors have a larger influence on tourists\u27 likelihood to revisit the same destinations, while also considering the differences between domestic and international tourists. The findings from this research will support tourism managers\u27 understanding of how to drive repeat visits in a market with overwhelming competition