Potential tourists use various destination attributes to aid in destination image formation. Destination environmental attributes related to the actual product or site have been shown to influence destination image. These environmental attributes can be grouped into two subcategories—destination atmospherics and destination service. This study identified significant differences in the ratings of these two categories when comparing three groups of visitors to Florida: Florida (in-state) residents, U.S. domestic (non-Florida), and international. Understanding destination images that past visitors hold about a particular destination may provide useful insights into understanding existing images about that destination and can aid in the development of positioning strategies to alter or maintain these images. This study offers a first step in examining the varying perceptions visitors can hold about a destination based on their country of origin.
Although numerous destination image scales have been developed, little empirical research has been published that evaluates the reliability and validity of these measures. This article begins this process by describing a study using data from a convenience sample of 187 students comparing
three different image measurement scales using a multitrait-multimethod analysis developed by Campbell and Fiske in 1959. The study compared three states—Texas, Washington, and New York—across each of the three scales. The scales generally had acceptable though inconsistent levels
of reliability, but were problematic in respect of convergent validity. A destination image scale for theory testing purposes is suggested.
Extant literature illustrates that store environment in terms of layout, sound, ambiance, scent etc. has an important role to play in determining consumer behavior. More recently, e-retailing has led many stores to offer an online presence thereby creating dual shopping experiences. This study presents a typology of online atmospherics created from off-line atmospherics existing in the literature.
As ecotourism becomes more and more popular, the emerging trend creates an "ecogeneralist" market segment. The purpose of this study is to present statistical evidence to illustrate the changing market profile of the ecogeneralists in North America, through the investigation of as well
as through an analysis of ecogeneralists' spending habits and activities undertaken between 1998 and 2003, during their visit to Florida. The findings of this study indicated that: (1) the basic demographic characteristics exhibited by ecogeneralists in Florida coincided with those market
profiles from the previous research findings specific to ecogeneralists, (2) all demographic and behavioral characteristics of ecogeneralists from different geographical origins were found to differ significantly, (3) the economic environment of the US had the most significant impact on the
international ecogeneralists' travel experience.
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