Iordanova, Elitza ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3021-5454 and Stylidis, Dimitrios (2017) 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. Current Issues in Tourism, 22 (8). pp. 982-1005. ISSN 1368-3500

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Abstract

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, irrespective of individual’s nationality. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are also discussed.

Item Type:	Article
Identifier:	10.1080/13683500.2017.1346588
Additional Information:	This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Current Issues in Tourism on 03/07/2017, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/13683500.2017.1346588.
Keywords:	destination image formation, domestic tourists, international tourists, visitors’ experience, nationality
Subjects:	Hospitality and tourism > Tourism
Depositing User:	Elitza Iordanova
Date Deposited:	22 Jun 2018 09:03
Last Modified:	06 Feb 2024 15:57
URI:	https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/5129

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