The role of news articles, prior destination experience, and news involvement in destination image formation. (1st March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gabbioneta, Claudia; De Carlo, Manuela
• Is Part Of: International journal of tourism research. Volume 21:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 291
• Page End: 301
• Publication Date: 2019-03-01
• Subjects: destination image formation -- news articles -- news involvement -- prior destination experience; Tourism -- Periodicals; 338.4791
• DOI: 10.1002/jtr.2251
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1099-2340

Abstract

Abstract: Despite the relevance of news articles as autonomous image formation agents, we still have limited understanding of their influence on destination image and the conditions under which such influence occurs. This paper analyses the role of news articles and two moderating conditions—prior destination experience and news involvement—in destination image formation. It shows that the number of news articles individuals read is positively associated with their image of the destination, that news involvement enhances the influence of the news articles on destination image formation, and that this influence holds even after controlling for prior destination experience.