Resumen de Investigating Cognitive Distance and Long-Haul Destinations
This study investigated the relationship of cognitive distance, actual distance, and the allocation of long-haul destinations within US tourists’ choice sets. Data were collected on perceptions of Australia and Italy as destinations. Findings suggest that the perceived distance to Australia is significantly different from Italy (even though the destinations are both 14 hours from the test market), it is overestimated, and that the error is significant. The findings also indicate that there is inconsistency among the factors that influence the accuracy of distance estimates. It was concluded that the inferences drawn from domestic tourism on the relationship between cognitive distance, actual distance, and choice set allocation will not necessarily hold true for long-haul destinations and that further research is needed in this area.
