Resumen de Content loaded within last 14 days dimensions of image: a model of destination image formation
Lílian Dominguez Santana, Marlusa de Sevilha Gosling
This study sought to develop and test empirically a model that examines the relationship between four destination image dimensions (i.e., cognitive, affective, unique, and overall image), their antecedents (i.e., familiarity, sociodemographic characteristics, and tourist motivations), and their influence on behavioral intentions. A quantitative research method based on online and physical surveys was used, resulting in 396 valid questionnaires analyzed by applying structural equation modeling. The reference unit was Ilheus, in Bahia, Brazil. The main results are related to the interrelationship between the destination image dimensions and overall image. The latter is strongly influenced by cognitive and affective images and indirectly by unique image. Cognitive image exerts a strong influence on the other dimensions of destination image. As for the dimensions' antecedents, informational familiarity mainly influences cognitive image (positively). Considering experiential familiarity, the number of visits negatively affects cognitive image. Sociodemographic characteristics (i.e., social class and level of education) also have a negative influence on cognitive image. Tourist motivations have a direct influence on cognitive and unique image and indirectly on affective image. Finally, the results also confirm the influence of overall image on intentions to recommend and return to a destination.
