Analysis of the determinants of urban tourism attractiveness: The case of Québec City and Bordeaux. (March 2019) - Boivin, Maryse
Abstract: This research investigates the determinants of the attractiveness of urban tourism in two recognized tourist and heritage cities, Québec City and Bordeaux. In an analysis based on a tripartite theoretical model of attractiveness, a statistical comparative analysis was done in both cities to examine visitors' perceptions using a questionnaire survey completed by about 500 visitors. This analysis produced three main findings. First, a factor analysis demonstrated that tourists recognize attractiveness on four levels (context, tourist belt, complementary attractions and nucleus). Second, elements linked to the tourist belt, such as public spaces and the urban environment, are viewed as the most important. Third, mean value comparisons revealed that tourists who consult the Internet and social media have heightened sensitivity to nucleus, complementary attraction and context levels. To stimulate tourism attractiveness, cities' communications should thus emphasize the elements associated with the tourist belt, and effectively utilize Internet and social media to convey its caracteristics. Because urban public areas play an essential role in tourism attractiveness, it is also recommended that cities incorporate tourism into their planning strategy. Highlights: A theoretical model is applied to the determinants of urban tourism attractiveness. Results indicate four levels: context, belt, complementary attractions and nucleus. Tourists mainly assess attractiveness in the public space. Internet and social media are associated with different attractiveness evaluations.