Negative symbolic aspects in destination branding: exploring the role of the 'undesired self' on web-based vacation information search intentions among potential first-time visitors

Journal article | Zeitschriftenartikel

Tourist destination choices depend, among other factors, on the match between the destination’s personality image and consumers’ self-concept, in line with self-image congruence theory. Motives also mediate this relationship, yet tourism research largely neglects the influence of avoidance motives. This study applies the product-based construct of undesired congruity, or consumers’ tendency to avoid undesired stereotypical images, to the context of web-based vacation destination information search intentions among potential first-time visitors. Undesired congruity relates negatively to willingness to search for destination-related information online and serves as an additional predictor, beyond established relevant factors for pre-visit choice contexts. Moreover, it overrides the influence of established, telic, approach motive constructs, which implies its principal role in early destination-related decision making. The findings have practical implications for market research in tourism, as well as for destination branding. (author's abstract)

Object Details

• ISSN: 1356-7667
• Extent: Seite(n): 323-330
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Status: Veröffentlichungsversion; begutachtet (peer reviewed)

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Journal of Vacation Marketing, 16(4)

Classification and Topics

• Subject: Wirtschaft ; Sozialwissenschaften, Soziologie ; Publizistische Medien, Journalismus,Verlagswesen ; Freizeitforschung, Freizeitsoziologie ; Marketing ; interaktive, elektronische Medien ; Reise ; Erwartung ; Selbstbild ; Informationsverhalten ; Tourist ; Urlaub ; Urlaubsort ; Verhalten ; Motivation ; Tourismus ; Entscheidung ; Identität ; Konsumverhalten ; Internet

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Bosnjak, Michael
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Deutschland
• (when): 2010

Further information

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1356766710380885
• URN: urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-450693
• Rights: GESIS - Leibniz-Institut für Sozialwissenschaften. Bibliothek Köln
• Last update: 21.06.2024, 4:27 PM CEST