Destination Image Analysis and Its Strategic Implications: A Literature Review From 1990 to 2019

Abstract

Purpose of the study: "Image" not only exists in the market of consumer goods as well as tourism but also is the criteria usually used by consumers to make decisions. However, little literature is concerned with a comprehensive analysis of its development trajectory, application domains, and strategic implications. This study aims at conducting an extensive review of DI's current literature to examine the key concept of consumer behaviors.
 Methodology: Based on Scopus, this paper surveys the development trajectory of destination image using a literature review with the solo keyword “destination image” from 1990 to 2019.
 Main findings: The findings indicate that the development of destination image begins in 1995 and the overall growth is steady and strong. There are three development waves, such as 2002-2007, 2008-2013, and 2015-2019. These 908 articles were scattered across 182 different journals. Besides, all these keywords related to counties/areas are mostly equipped with tourism competitiveness as well.
 Applications of this study: This study reveals five problem domains of destination image including environment and government, destinations, tourists, culture, and others, respectively. This would call the attention of the executives and authorities concerned with environmental sustainability, adaptability/responsiveness of strategies, destination competitiveness, capabilities development, resource allocation, and tourist behavior (e.g., decision-making and post-purchase intention).
 Originality/Value: Based on the nexus between “environment-destination-tourist”, this study proposed a strategic map of DI to future researchers and field workers of great interests to operationalize and conceptualize its coverage.

Gastronomic manifestation in the function of branding a tourist destination

“…The first reason lies in the fact that destination image formation represents the essence of destination branding (Woosnam et al ., 2020), namely the key element of destination branding (Kalkstein-Silkes et al ., 2008). Similar views are expressed by other authors (Coronel, 2017; Huang et al. , 2021).…”

Destination Image Semiotics: Evidence from Asian and European Upscale Hospitality Services

“…Studies on TDI date back to the mid-20th century. Since then, research on TDI has been ongoing [34][35][36]. However, due to the proliferation of social networks over the past ten years, the data source has evolved from surveys of a few hundred respondents to TGC shared on social media by thousands of visitors [37].…”

Gastronomy Tourism and Well-Being: Evidence from Taiwan and Catalonia Michelin-Starred Restaurants

“…According to Chang and Mak [ 58 ], the gastronomic image from the perspective of tourists can be defined as “tourists” holistic impression about a destination’s gastronomic products and food culture” (p. 91). Despite the abundance of literature on destination image [ 59 , 60 ] and the growing interest of destination marketing organizations (DMOs) in promoting local gastronomic heritage [ 5 , 61 ], there is a paucity of research regarding the importance and implications of gastronomy tourism on destination image formation [ 62 ].…”