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

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Bigi ◽  
Fabio Cassia ◽  
Marta Maria Ugolini
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Tourism Destination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Commercial Activities ◽  
Tourism Promotion ◽  
Questions And Answers ◽  
Food Tourism ◽  
Destination Management Organizations ◽  
Online Travel

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.

Like, tag and share: bolstering social media marketing to improve intention to visit a nature-based tourism destination

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Gaffar ◽  
Benny Tjahjono ◽  
Taufik Abdullah ◽  
Vidi Sukmayadi
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Botanical Garden ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Social Media Marketing ◽  
Tourism Destination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Value ◽  
Tourism Destinations

Purpose This paper aims to explore the influence of social media marketing on tourists’ intention to visit a botanical garden, which is one of the popular nature-based tourism destinations in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach This study sent questionnaires to 400 followers of the botanical garden’s Facebook account who responded to the initial calls for participation and declared that they have not visited the garden before. Analyses were conducted on 363 valid responses using the structural equation model. Findings The findings revealed several key determinants influencing the image of the botanical garden and its future value proposition, particularly in supporting the endeavour to shift from a mere recreational destination to a nature-based tourism destination offering educational experiences. Originality/value This paper offers a fresh look into the roles of social media marketing in increasing the intention to visit a tourism destination that is considerably affected by the destination image.

Destination image through social media analytics and survey method

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael S. Lin ◽  
Yun Liang ◽  
Joanne X. Xue ◽  
Bing Pan ◽  
Ashley Schroeder
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Social Media Analytics ◽  
Tourism Destination ◽  
Social Media Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Intercept Survey ◽  
Media Data

Purpose Recent tourism research has adopted social media analytics (SMA) to examine tourism destination image (TDI) and gain timely insights for marketing purposes. Comparing the methodologies of SMA and intercept surveys would provide a more in-depth understanding of both methodologies and a more holistic understanding of TDI than each method on their own. This study aims to investigate the unique merits and biases of SMA and a traditional visitor intercept survey. Design/methodology/approach This study collected and compared data for the same tourism destination from two sources: responses from a visitor intercept survey (n = 1,336) and Flickr social media photos and metadata (n = 11,775). Content analysis, machine learning and text analysis techniques were used to analyze and compare the destination image represented from both methods. Findings The results indicated that the survey data and social media data shared major similarities in the identified key image phrases. Social media data revealed more diverse and more specific aspects of the destination, whereas survey data provided more insights in specific local landmarks. Survey data also included additional subjective judgment and attachment towards the destination. Together, the data suggested that social media data should serve as an additional and complementary source of information to traditional survey data. Originality/value This study fills a research gap by comparing two methodologies in obtaining TDI: SMA and a traditional visitor intercept survey. Furthermore, within SMA, photo and metadata are compared to offer additional awareness of social media data’s underlying complexity. The results showed the limitations of text-based image questions in surveys. The findings provide meaningful insights for tourism marketers by having a more holistic understanding of TDI through multiple data sources.

Factors influencing the tourists’ intention to select sustainable tourism destination: a case study of Penang, Malaysia

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 442-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zurina Mohaidin ◽  
Koay Tze Wei ◽  
Mohsen Ali Murshid
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Word Of Mouth ◽  
Sustainable Tourism ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Tourism Destination ◽  
Environmental Attitude ◽  
Tourist Destination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceived Service Quality ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors of environmental attitude, motivation, destination image, word-of-mouth, and perceived service quality to predict the tourists’ intention to select sustainable tourist destination. It also aims to investigate the moderating effect of knowledge on the relationship between environmental attitude and the tourists’ intention to select sustainable tourist destination. Design/methodology/approach Using survey design, 300 self-administrated questionnaires (both online/hard copy) were distributed to both local and international tourists at different tourism locations in Penang state in Malaysia. A total of 161 questionnaires were returned and analysed by using SPSS and smart PLS software. Findings The findings found that environmental attitude, motivation, and word-of-mouth significantly influenced the tourists’ intention to select sustainable tourism destination, while destination image and perceived service quality have not a significant influence in this study. Furthermore, this study proved that knowledge negatively moderates the positive effect of the environmental attitude on tourists’ intention to select sustainable tourism destination. Research limitations/implications The findings offer important managerial implications for managers of tourism destinations and decision makers in understanding what motivates influence tourists’ intention in selecting sustainable tourism destination. The research scope was limited to convenient sampling and one city (Penang). Thus, the results could not be generalised to all Malaysia or other countries. Originality/value This research contributes to extending knowledge in sustainable tourism destination in the context of emerging markets, especially Malaysia. Moreover, this study found a way to examine the relationship between the environmental attitude and tourists’ intention to select sustainable tourism destination.

Tourism service quality and destination loyalty – the mediating role of destination image from international tourists’ perspectives

2016 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mamoun N. Akroush ◽  
Luai E. Jraisat ◽  
Dina J. Kurdieh ◽  
Ruba N. AL-Faouri ◽  
Laila T. Qatu
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Brand Image ◽  
Dead Sea ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Tourism Destination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Destination Loyalty ◽  
The Dead ◽  
Tourism Service ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between tourism service quality and destination loyalty through investigating the mediation effect of destination image in the Dead Sea tourism destination, Jordan, from international tourists perspectives. The paper also investigates the tourism service quality dimensions from international tourists’ viewpoints. Design/methodology/approach A structured and self-administered survey was used targeting international tourists who were visiting the Dead Sea tourism destination, Jordan. The authors delivered 300 questionnaires to international tourists from which 237 were retained and valid for the analysis. A series of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to assess the research constructs dimensions, unidimensionality, validity and composite reliability. Structural path analysis was also used to test the hypothesised relationships of the research model. Findings The empirical findings indicate that tourism service quality is, in fact, a four-dimensional (4D) construct as opposed to five as proposed by the original hypothesised model. The 4D model consists of four facets: assurance-responsiveness, tangible facilities-empathy, reliability and reliability-quality of directions. Also, the results indicate that brand image loaded onto two dimensions named as “physical environment” and “people characteristics”. The structural findings indicate that the four dimensions of tourism service quality have positively and significantly affected destination image. Further, brand image has positively and significantly affected destination loyalty. Finally, destination image fully mediates the relationship between tourism service quality and destination loyalty. Research limitations/implications This paper has examined only five dimensions of tourism service quality that affected destination loyalty directly and indirectly; meanwhile, other service quality dimensions such as technical quality may affect both destination image and destination loyalty. Further, destination image is the only mediator investigated in this paper. Other consumer-based brand equity factors such as brand salience my act as another mediator. Also, this paper investigated international tourists’ perspectives in the Dead Sea tourism destination only, which means that its generalisation to other tourism destinations is limited. Therefore, comparative studies inside and outside Jordan’s tourism destinations are potential areas of future research. Other limitations and future research areas are also outlined. Practical implications The paper highlights the strategic importance of brand image on the relationship between tourism service quality and destination loyalty. Tourism service quality acts as an antecedent to brand image and the later is essential to destination loyalty. In other words, brand image of the physical environment and people friendless and kindness are the critical linkage that create destination loyalty. Further, an integrated model of tourism service quality, destination image and destination loyalty is required by tourism organisations operating in the Dead Sea destination to win international tourists again. Originality/value This paper represents one of the very few attempts that investigate tourism service quality and destination loyalty through understanding the mediating role of brand image in the Dead Sea destination. Accordingly, it should shed more light into the strategic role of brand image dimensions and how they affect destination loyalty. Further, the paper is the first of its kind to investigate an integrated model of tourism service quality and destination loyalty from international tourist perspectives in Jordan. The main issue here is that tourism organisations operating in the Dead Sea tourism destination have now valuable empirical evidence concerning the drivers of destination loyalty in an integrated manner.

Evaluation of the image of a coastal tourism destination in Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 324-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Antonio dos Anjos ◽  
Melise de Lima Pereira ◽  
Florença Fiedler Pichler Von Tennenberg
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Coastal Tourism ◽  
Tourism Destination ◽  
Santa Catarina ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Convenience Sampling ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose In order to offer a theoretical and empirical contribution to the theme, the purpose of this paper is to assess the tourist image of the destination Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina, Brazil, from the tourists’ perspective. The authors specify the latent dimensions involved in the formation of the cognitive, affective, and conative image of coastal tourism destination, through which the authors can analyze and measure the construct. Design/methodology/approach The research is exploratory, descriptive, and predominantly quantitative. It uses non-probability convenience sampling, consisting of a sample of 425 tourists. Data collection were conducted in the studied destination during the summer season – 2015/2016. Findings Through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the authors identified and tested the factors that comprise the image. Structural equation model evaluated the relationship that theoretically exists between the components of the image and the weight of the various components (cognitive, affective, and conative) on the overall image of the destination. Originality/value This research contributes theoretically and empirically to the discussions on the components of the destination image, in as much as it analyzes and interprets the cognitive, affective, and conative components of the image of the tourism destination Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Egypt’s perceived destination image and its impact on tourist’s future behavioural intentions

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 449-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hany Ragab ◽  
Abeer A. Mahrous ◽  
Ahmed Ghoneim
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourist Satisfaction ◽  
Exploratory Factor Analyses ◽  
Global Tourism ◽  
Destination Management Organizations ◽  
The Impact

Purpose There is a substantial body of the literature on the role of destination image in tourist’s future behavior, however, the majority of these studies were conducted in “Sun-and-Sand” destinations, and only a few studies have addressed this research topic in “Historical-and-Cultural” destinations context. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap by investigating the impact of Egypt’s perceived destination image – as one of the most famous cultural and historical destinations in the global tourism arena – and tourist satisfaction on tourists’ future behavioral intentions. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a mixed methodology (a combination of survey questionnaire based on a quota sample from 400 tourists, as well as semi-structured interviews with tourists from different nationalities). Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analyses, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Findings The results related to the impact of the perceived destination image are discussed. Also, some practical implications related to destination management organizations are highlighted. Originality/value The study contributes theoretically and empirically to destination image literature, by improving the understanding of the multi-dimensional nature of destination image and its impact on revisit intention and word-of-mouth recommendation. Also, it helps in guiding Egypt’s destination image management activities to rebuild Egypt’s image as a safe destination for all the world’s travelers.

Image perception of surf tourism destination in Brazil

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 1111-1127
Author(s):  
Sabrina da Rosa ◽  
Francisco Antonio dos Anjos ◽  
Melise de Lima Pereira ◽  
Marcos Arnhold Junior
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Multivariate Techniques ◽  
Tourism Destination ◽  
Image Perception ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Measurement Models

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to measure the image of surf tourism destination, Praia do Rosa, Santa Catarina, Brazil, in order to examine the complex relationship between destination image components and surfers’ behavior in relation to surfing itself and to the trips made to take part in surfing activities, in a surf spot. Design/methodology/approach From the tourist population in Praia do Rosa surf spot, in Brazil, a sample of 200 surfers was taken. Data analysis included the following multivariate techniques: exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling as a procedure for the development and reliability of the measurement models of destination image of surf tourism in Brazil. Data analysis was performed using PASW-SPSS 24 and Mplus 7. Findings Through EFA and CFA, it was possible to identify the attributes that make up the image of a surf destination and their relationship with the behavior profile of surfers. The results highlight the role of the different factors that make up the overall image of the destination, through the analysis of cognitive, affective and conative components. Research limitations/implications The results confirm and provide theoretical and empirical support for the research, showing that the set of observable variables and the specified latent dimensions are reliable. However, it is necessary to expand the sample studied so that the measurement model has better fit indices and show convergent and discriminant validity. Practical implications This study is relevant as it provides information that can be used by destination managers, especially regarding surf tourism. In the face of strong growth, the sector could benefit from the identification of destination image attributes which can be used in marketing campaigns put forward by both the public and private sector. Social implications The results of the current study provide both public and private tourism managers with insights into surf tourism demand useful in developing effective marketing and positioning strategies. Originality/value This study explored and tested the image perception in a surf destination. The results contribute theoretically and empirically to discussions about the components of destination image. Also, the findings add to the understanding of surfing behavior, one of the most popular sports in the world, with surfers willing to travel long distances in search of ideal surf conditions.

Dark tourism destinations: the relationships between tourists’ on-site experience, destination image and behavioural intention

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lili Qian ◽  
Chunhui Zheng ◽  
Jinwei Wang ◽  
María de los Ángeles Pérez Sánchez ◽  
Eduardo Parra López ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Behavioural Intention ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Tourism Destination ◽  
Dark Tourism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Functional Perspective ◽  
Tourism Destinations ◽  
Antecedents And Consequences

Purpose This study aims to explore how tourists construct destination images in the context of dark tourism and reveals the relationships between on-site experience, destination image and behavioural intention. Design/methodology/approach The earthquake-ravaged county town of Beichuan in China was chosen as the study site. The study collected 298 viable questionnaires from tourists. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was performed to explore the relationships between the variables of on-site experience, destination image and behavioural intention. Findings The study identified four dimensions of dark tourism destination image (TDI) from its attribute and functional perspective. It found that “image of memorial place” and “image of educational place” were the most perceptual images and positively related with most subdimensions of on-site experience and behavioural intention. “Image of leisure place” and “image of landscapes of fear” were less perceived by tourists and negatively related with some subdimensions of on-site experience and behavioural intention. Originality/value To our knowledge, this study is the first attempt to explore the complex mechanisms of dark TDI formation with the framework of “on-site experiences–destination images–behavioural intentions”. By identifying tourists’ most and least perceptual images and their effective antecedents and consequences help to reconcile and manage the controversial and contradictory images of a dark tourism destination.

Understanding destination image from the perspective of Western travel bloggers: the case of Istanbul

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zaid Alrawadieh ◽  
Mithat Zeki Dincer ◽  
Fusun Istanbullu Dincer ◽  
Parvin Mammadova
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Congestion ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourist Destinations ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Tourist Infrastructure ◽  
Historical Heritage ◽  
Travel Blog ◽  
Destination Management Organizations ◽  
Source Of Information

Purpose Travelers’ narratives disseminated online about destination experiences are an important source of information for measuring the performance of tourist destinations and understanding travelers’ perceptions, behaviors and expectations. Drawing on data from travel narratives, the purpose of this study is to examine the destination image of Istanbul as revealed in Western travel blogs. In addition, this study aims to identify the demographic characteristics of travelers who are more likely to engage in destination blogging activities. Design methodology/approach A deductive content analysis approach was used on a sample of travel blog entries retrieved from TravelPod.com. Based on the dimensions and attributes of destination image identified by Beerli and Martín (2004), a coding scheme was established to guide the coding process. Findings The findings suggest that the online destination image of Istanbul is generally positive. Specifically, the destination is mainly appreciated for its cultural and historical heritage, as well as for its tourist infrastructure. However, the findings also highlight some issues that concern Western travelers, such as safety and traffic congestion. Originality/value This study is timely as it explores the online destination image of a key destination in a period of instability. The findings are expected to offer insights for destination management organizations in Turkey on how Western travelers view Istanbul as a tourist destination. These insights are also important to help policymakers and tourism destination marketers design effective strategies.

Eat, work, love: alternative tourists’ connection with ethnic food

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (6) ◽  
pp. 1999-2019
Author(s):  
Rosmini Omar ◽  
Obed Rashdi Syed ◽  
Binyao Ning ◽  
Stefanos Vagenas ◽  
Faizan Ali
Keyword(s):  
Food Industry ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Cultural Literacy ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Broad Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethnic Food ◽  
Food Tourism ◽  
The Rich

Purpose Ethnic food is a pivotal polysemic artifact, yet commonly studied based on experience. This leaves an eclipse in understanding its overall significance and implications. The purpose of this paper is to explore the interactions of experience, intimacy and embodiment from the lens of alternative tourism and Asia as a destination image. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted four focus group that include Asians who take experiential learning trips and spiritual journeys across Asia-Pacific. Findings Alternative tourists promote the growth of ethnic foodies who value impact which they determine as quality food-scape, longitudinal caring interactions with and the constant assurance of consuming food which are safe and healthy to their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Research limitations/implications Although our research does not employ any quantitative technique and devoid of inferential analysis, the rich qualitative data offer insights for further work that benefit ethnic food industry. Practical implications Industry and policy makers are encouraged to generate contextual solutions for management of the ethnic food industry. Ethnic food consumption may flourish if the industry leads its growth through a post-modernist approach. Social implications A broad perspective in growing the frontiers of ethnic food tourism beyond the landscape of an economic or consumerism-dominated approach would benefit the cross-mobility of quality talents and skills as this fosters cross-cultural literacy. Originality/value The authors develop the Ethnic Foodies Perspective-Ethnic Food Destination Image Matrix as a pathway to further motivate knowledge cross-fertilization in ethnic food tourism studies and leverage on the transdisciplinary science, innovation, socio- and sensuous geographic arena. A constellation of ethnic food innovation should link the economic side of exotic differentiation and heritage with food processing, safety and traceability.

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