Understanding Destination Image Formation: A Review of the Literature

The provided content focuses on the concept of tourism management, specifically exploring destination image and its impact on revisit intentions among tourists. The articles discuss various factors that influence destination image, such as novelty-seeking tendencies, perceived value, and stakeholder perspectives. Additionally, the online resources provide an overview of tourism management, highlighting the importance of understanding destination images in the context of tourist experiences.

Tourists Destinations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Analyse of main tourist destinations................................................................................1
1.2 Analyse of statistics to determine tourism destination trends and prediction of future
trends .....................................................................................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
2.1 & 2.2 Analyse the cultural, social and physical features of the tourist destinations........4
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
3.1 compare the appeal of current leading tourist destinations with that of currently
developing tourist destinations ..............................................................................................8
3.2 evaluate how characteristics of a tourist destination affect its appeal .............................9
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
4.1 analysing issues that affect the popularity of tourist destinations..................................10
4.2 Article.............................................................................................................................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCE.................................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
The desire to experiencing new experience, understanding different cultures, analysing
diverse behaviour and religions, people choose tourism as an important element to fulfil those
desire. In this report working as a business and product development team in TUI group, the
main tourist destination and right packages provided to customers will be analysed (Stylos and
et.al., 2017). Working as an product development manager assistant, comparision will be made
between two tourist destination to seek out new business opportunities for TUI group.
Presentation of comparision will be provided to the staff of Travel Center who are attending
training workshops. By working as a business development analyst comparision between
developed and developing tourist destination will be evaluated in the report. The evaluation of
TUI group strategy and sustainable team for analysing their aim which is growth and
development of business and innovating more exciting plans for the tourist and customers for
better traveling experience. Cultural, lifestyle and physical features of toursit destination will be
shown in this report.
TASK 1
1.1 Analyse of main tourist destinations
Working in the business and product development team at TUI group the responsibility
assigned was to analyse the main tourist destinations in UK, Europe and the rest of the world.
Tower of London, United Kingdom
The imperial tower where the queen of England resides, is one of the most popular tourist
spot in United Kingdom. It is also known as Her Majesty's Royal Fortress, the historic palace
build on north bank of Thames River. The castle build in year 1078 and use as a prison in early
times. This palace popularity increased by the end of 19th century and more than 500000 visitors
visit the tower of London (Assaker and Hallak, 2013). Tourist are facinated by attractions like
Royal Menagerie, Crown Jewels of early period and display of armours. Around 2 million vistors
pay their vists in 2015, their purpose is to explore and experience the contribution of castle in the
history of UK. It is one of the major source of generation of revenue for TUI group and other
tourism organisation.
Taj Mahal, India
As a developing country India has many places which can excite anyone. The Taj Mahal
is a mausoleum of ivory white marble on the south bank of river Yamuna, in city of Agra. It is
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one of the seven wonders in the world and was built by the mughal emprror, Shah Jahan in 1632.
Tourists are attracted by the infrastructure engineering in the ancient times.Visitors are also
amused by the interior of Taj Mahal. Interior of Taj Mahal is embroided with precious stones and
gem stones which make it unique and extravagent. More than two million visitors were
documented by UNESCO in 2001, which increases to around 7-8 million in the end of 2014.
Mainly tourists visit in the winter season for the purpose to explore the art and culture of ancient
dynasty.
Effile Tower, France
Effile Tower is the finnished iron grilled tower which located on the Champ de Mars, in
Paris, France. Effile Tower was named after the engineer Gustave Effile, whose organisation
develop its designe and made the tower (Bruwer and et.al., 2017). The construction start in 1887
and completed in 1889. It become the cultural icon, an apple in one's eye and one of the most
known strucutre in the world. It become the most paid visited tourist destination in the world as
approximately 6.91 pay their visits in 2015. As analysed by the survey an average of 25000
people visits every day and results in long que. Tickets can be purchased online and offline. It is
provided by two restaurants on first and second floor. The purpose of tourists is to experience the
dignity of infrastructe and have food on the apex strucutre in europe.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Build on the mountain with height of 2430 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu shows
the historical and cultural practices of Inca civilization. It was bulid in 15th century in the Cusco
Region, Urubamba Province, Machupicchu District in Peru. Mahu Picchu in 2007 declared as
one of the seven wonders in the world through internet poll. Tourist visits Macchu Picchu
mesmerised by the natural beauty and structure made on the apex of the mountain. Increasing
visitors helpin the country with generation of revenue and development of economy (Pandža
Bajs, 2015). Around 200000 tourists visit Machu Picchu in year 2000 and had more than 1.1
million in the end of 2015. There is a great scope in adding machu pichu in the tourist package of
TUI by its emerging growth in tourists.
Great Wall of China, China
Great Wall of China is the biggest and the longest wall in the world, covering almost the
whole northern part of China. It was build in 220-206 BC by Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of
China. The wall is 5000 km long, and attract tourists from all around the world. Springs and
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autumn, specially May, September or early October is the best time to visit. Around 63 millions
tourists visit the great wall in 2001 and substainally increases in number. Now around an
average, 70000 visitors vists per day which generating huge revenue for china tourism.
1.2 Analyse of statistics to determine tourism destination trends and prediction of future trends
Table 1: Data and Growth of 5 Tourist Destinations
Tourist Destination Statistical Data Increase/Decrease in
%
Visitorss in 2015
(Approx)
Visits in 2016
(Approx)
1) Tower of London,
UK
2785249 2741126 -1.58%
2) Taj Mahal, India 7000000 8500000 21.42%
3) Effile Tower,
France
6910000 6917000 0.10%
4)Machu Picchu,
Peru
1100000 1000000 -0.91%
5) Great Wall of
China, China
10720000 11560000 7.83%
Determination of current and future trends
The Tower of London
1. Current Trend- Tower of london is the leading tourist destination in United Kingdom.
More than 2.7 million tourist visits tower of london by the end of 2016. Though there
seem the declination in numbers due to politcal stabilty and terrorist attacks in London.
2. Future Trends- The percentage of growth can be increase by increasing marketing and
security of tourist destination (Ashton and Lakpetch, 2016). As a product and business
development team of TUI, more attracting packages which covers all the customer needs
should be innovate to increase the visitors and revenue of TUI as well as Tower of
London.
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Taj Mahal
1. Current Trend- There is a tremendous growth of 21.42% in visitors trend due to
apropriate marketing and Incrediable India. Taj Mahal is one the seven wonders of the
world which influence attraction of tourist from different part of the world.
2. Future Trends- Increase number of convenience and protecting Taj Mahal from
pollution so that it keeps its precious form can attract more visitors from the world. Taj
Mahal revenue depend more on foreign visitors. Increase in tour packages can attract
visitors from all over world.
Effile Tower
1. Current Trends- Data shows that there is only subtle increase in the number of visitors.
This may be due to frequent terriorst attacks or low marketing practices. Expectations
were high in case of revenue generations.
2. Future Trends- By increasing security and marketing, TUI group can increase the
number of visitors for effile tower.
Machu Picchu
1. Current Trends- The declination of visitors because of lack of convenience and
transport facility. More ever government has set a limit in number of visitors due to
protest of civilians and locals. The major portion of tourism of Peru genetrated from
Machu Picchu.
2. Future Trends- Growth can be increase if convenience facilities developed. Reduction
in government policies will help in attraction of visitors.
The Great wall of China
1. Current Trend- After welcoming of foreign vists, the great wall of china gets the
gigantic amount of visitors and the growth in visitors can be seen.
2. Future Trend- There is a vast scope for growth of tourism organisation by including
great wall of china in tour package to earn revenues.
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TASK 2
2.1 & 2.2 Analyse the cultural, social and physical features of the tourist destinations
To establish new business opportunities and growth of TUI group, the asistant product
development manager develops the new package which can help to attract new customers and
retain existing customers. The two countries which have been analysed was UK and India to
grow new business opportunity for TUI group (Chen and Phou, 2013). As one country is the
leading tourist destination and the other has vast scope in developing tourism. The cultural,
social and physical attributes have been analysed of these two countries are shown below.
Cultural, Social, Physical Features of UK-
Cultural Features
 UK culture is majory influenced by religious life of Christian.
 Literature, media, music, comedy education, philosophy, theature and architecture
including science and technology are essential aspects of UK culture.
 Tourists are influenced by the rich cultural behaviour, lifestyle and historic infrastructe of
UK.
Social Features
 Society of UK has been classified in the structure which include degree wrapped up in
the genetics carrying of occupations.
 The two houses in parliaments of UK i.e. House of Lords which shows the upper class-
man and the House of Common which shows the lower class-man.
 Main dominating factors are wealth, vocations and educational factors which influence
the social degree.
Physical Features
 UK is surrounded by numerous islands as it is situated at north-western coast of Europe.
 Tourists are attracted by number of places in UK which represents the diversity in
pragmatic geography of nation. The most attractive places are situated in London city.
 UK climatic conditions also play an essential roles for makin the nation leading tourist
destination.
Cultural, Social Physical, Features, of India
Cultural Features
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 Indian cultural diversity is famous in all over the world, as each and every state of the
country represents there specific cultures.
 Tourist are interested in arts and culture, historical infrastructe and behaviour in lifestyle
of the country
 India is known for its cultural practices, religional belief and different kinds of festivals
which influenced tourist to visit the country
Social Features
 Indian societies are classified into different castes, creed and reliions.
 Society in India is diverse and represents the history of Indian cultures.
 Tourist seeks the ancient and historic part of the culture which are followed by the
different societies. Each represent different traditions which influence tourist to explore
more about Inida.
Physical Features
 India is located in the South Asia and comprises of different type of physical
environment.
 India shares its boundries from countries like China, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan,
Bangladesh and Pakistan.
 Indian physical environment comprises of all the climatic conditions which influence the
tourists attraction towards the nation.
Table 2: Comparision between developed and developing tourist destinations
Basis Developed tourist destination Developing tourist
destination
Meaning It means those nations who
have improved
industrialiszation, immense
GDP growth, increase in
standards of living, developed
infrastructure, advance
markets, apropriate
convenience facilities and
Developing Tourist nations are
those countries who are
undergoing development in the
tourism sector (Kim, 2014).
Thes countries generally have
low GDP, moderate standard
of livings, less developed
infrastructure, not having
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efficient tourism management. proper modes of
transportaions, less market
growth, overpopulations and
poor tourism department.
Examples UK, USA, Australia, Saudi
Arabia, China, Japan etc are
developed and leading tourist
destinations.
India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, etc
are developing tourist
destinations.
Table 3: Comparision between features of UK and INDIA
Features UK India
Cultural  UK culture is domiated
by Christian religions.
 Official Language is
English
 India has diverse
culture but dominated
by Hindu religion.
 There is no official
language as each sate
has its own language.
Social  Society are classified
on the bassis of
occupations.
 Social culture is rich
and modern which
attracts tourists from all
over the world
 Socities are classified
on the basis of caste
and religions.
 Tourist who want to
explore the traditional
and historical social
culture visits India
Physical  Climate remains cold
in UK. People prefer to
travel in cold vists UK
 Climate is depend upon
the area, for example
there cold climate in
north of india and hot
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 Tourist visits UK any
time for its good socio
economic conditions
and cool climatic
condtions
and humid climate in
south of India.
 Tourists only visits
India mostly in winter
seasons. From
december to march.
TASK 3
3.1 compare the appeal of current leading tourist destinations with that of currently developing
tourist destinations
As a business development analyst the table showing the comparision between appeal of
currently developing and leading tourist destinations
Basis of Appeal Current Leading Tourist
Destinations
London, UK
Currently Developing
Tourist Destinations.
Rajasthan, India
Popularity London is popular for its rich
infrastructure, culture and
behaviour. Tourist destination
like Big Ben, London eye,
Tower of london are very
popular among tourists.
Rajasthan in India is popular
for its tradition, art and history.
Government of India is
moving progressively to
develop tourism in Rajasthan.
Places like Thar desert, Hawa
Mahal, ancient forts and
palaces is what Rajashtan is
popular of.
Changes in visitors London faces downdrift in
visitors due to frequent terorist
attacks and politiacl instablity.
But since it is the leading
tourist destination, the number
will increase sooner or later.
India is the developing tourist
destination, so there is a
growth in the amount of
visitors. In 2015 Rajasthan
documented approx 25 million
visitors which 11% more than
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previous year.
Economic Conditions The economic conditions of
London is good and all the
proper ammenities which a
tourist needs is fulfiled by the
tourism department.
There is need of improvement
in the economic condition of
Rajasthan. Government is
working progressively to
develop the infrastructure to
help tourist from all around the
world.
Climate Climate plays an essential role
in the appeal of tourists. In as
survey it was analysed that
mostly tourist prefer cold
countries and climate of
london remains cold
throughout the year. So
tourists visit anytime
irrespective of seasonal
conditions.
Climate of Rajasthan is very in
hot in summer and cold in
winter seasons. Tourists prefer
to visit rajasthan only in winter
season which affects its
revenue generation.
3.2 evaluate how characteristics of a tourist destination affect its appeal
Evaluation of characteristics of tourist destination affect its appeal in reference of North Korea:-
1. Political Instablity- North Korea is one of the most politicaly instable country in the
world. The dictatorship form of leadership can be seen in North Korea (Stepchenkova
and Li, 2014). There are many restrictions and regulations which are meant to be
followed.
2. Restrictions- Tourists who visit North Korea cannot interact with the local people
because of the laws. These restrictions affect the appeal of tourist destinations.
3. Environment- The environment of North Korea has been seen in crises because of
misguided policies of their leader. Pollution is increasing drastically due to industries and
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no proper measures to protect environment is their. This affect the tourism in North
Korea.
4. Tourism Management- The tourism organisation are governed by government and only
about 4000-6000 tourists vists North Korea each year.
5. Public Image- North Korea is famous for its aggressive policies and bad relationships
with other countrie. This affect the tourists as they do not want to visit the country who
always remains in conflicts.
6. Crime Rates- North Korea laws are strict for criminals, in many tourist spots visitors
encounter with criminals and theives. Which affect the tourist as he do not want to vist it
again.
From above points it is clear that TUI group should avoid organising tour packages, as the
country is full of risks, uncertainity and instablity. The tourism in way beyond the developing
tourist destination and with compliance with it TUI should target other countries like Inidia.
TASK 4
4.1 analysing issues that affect the popularity of tourist destinations
As the Executive Assistant for Sustainability at TUI group, the anlytical report which
shows the issues that affect the popularity of tourist destinations are-
1. Climate- Climate plays and essential roles in affecting the popularity of tourisit
destination. There are various places where tourists want to go on speicfic period, due to
climatic conditions (Chon, 2015). For example, most tourist visits India in winter seasons
because they enjoy and feel rejuvenated in winter seasons. The climate affects the
demand of tourists destination as some places become mesmerising in there specific
climate. People who love snow travels in winter seasons and who love warm will travel
in summer seasons.
2. Natural Disasters- Future is uncertain, no matters how much protected any country is it
cannot bear the power of nature. Disaster prone countries are mainly avoidable by tourists
which affects its popularity (Smith and et.al., 2015). For Example Japan faces more
natural disaster than any country in the world. After facing more disaster, Japan is one of
the leading tourist destination because of its effective polices and leadership. Same goes
with Hawaii.
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3. Sustainability- It means the level of stablity of the tourist destination. More the
sustainability, more will be the amount of visitors. For example UK is very sustainable
according to the experiences of tourists, where as countries like North Korea, Pakistan
are less sustainable though are less prefarable by tourists.
4. Environmental Conditions- Tourists prefers clean and healthy environment and avoid
environment with pollutions (Stylos and et.al., 2017). Developed tourists destination have
polices and regulations to measure and control the amount of pollutions and maintain
healthy living environment in the country which affects its popularity in a positive way.
For example, Countries like Switzerland, Sweedan and Norway are known for its clean
environment.
5. Image of Country- A good image of country includes its political stablity, an effective
socio economic policies, good relationship with other countries, etc. Goodwill of country
is very essential and plays a vital role in affecting popularity of tourists destination. For
example countries like Belgium, Germany are the disputes free country and shares a
healthy relationship. Tourists prefer to visits those countries.
4.2 Article
TUI group is been known for its sustainable leadership in tourism organisation. As an
leading tourism organisation in UK, TUI is to provide resposnible tourism to enhance
relationship with host communities world wide. Acitivites requires the collaborators of tourism
to avoid practices that jeopardise their image in tourism sectors. They are responsible to protect
the social, economy and cultural life of the local area (Tourism Management – Introduction,
2017). For overall maximisation of benefits TUI is working progressively to avoid the harmful
activites. TUI is employing a diversified workforce in the organisation which decreases the level
of unemployment. In Europe TUI operates in majority of countries including UK, Germany,
Netherlands etc. TUI is responsible for maintaining harmonious realtionship and providing
effective packages to customers. In countries like Turkey, Cuba, Jamiaca, Egypt, Costa Rica,
Mexico, and Domican Republic responsible tourism supports the child pornography, unfair
practices, drugs, etc (What is Tourism Management, 2017). Responsible tourism encourages the
increase in revenue generation and building trust and belief. It increases the sharing of socio
culture of one country with another. TUI group moving forward to develop the tour packages
that have all the customer need and increase their experience of traveling. Ecotourism is evolving
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and responsible for protection for various bio diversity tourists destination. There are many
organisation in UK such as ECPAT that dominates tour operators and enables them to impliment
code of conduct. TUI code of conducts adopts the principles of UN Global Compact Initiative.
The tourism organisation is accountable for 9% of the world GDP growth and 6% of exports.
Toursim organisation faces a challenge of carbon emission which is harmful for the
environment. They accounts of 5% of carbon emission which is disastrous and alarming situation
for the world. Responsible tourism must protect the environment as without it no one can do the
business. TUI is continuosly working to reduce by using green energy and solar energy in
various departments. Responsible tourism includes the safety, rights and prosperity of the culture
, social and physical feature of the country. Turkey and Cuba faces many riots and terorist
attacks, thus to responsible tourism accounts to ensure the safety in the region by proper survey
and analysis.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it has been understood tourists destination is affected by many
factors such as popularity, climate, sustainablity, etc. It can be seen that these factors can affect
the scope and nature of tourists destinations. In this context it is concluded that UK is the leding
tourist destination and one of the most developed and favourable destination, whereas North
Korea is the least favourable tourists destination. The comparision of social, cultural and
physical features between UK and India shows that both countries have some specific
advantages and disadvantages. Different appeal affects the characteristics of toursits destinations
such as climate, taste of visitors, economic conditions etc. Evaluation of several factors of appeal
has been made in the present context. Role of responsible tourism and importance of sustainable
growth with reference of several countries also been made in the report.
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REFERENCE
Books And Journals
Stylos, N., and et.al., 2017. Linking the dots among destination images, place attachment, and
revisit intentions: A study among British and Russian tourists. Tourism Management, 60,
pp.15-29.
Assaker, G. and Hallak, R., 2013. Moderating effects of tourists’ novelty-seeking tendencies on
destination image, visitor satisfaction, and short-and long-term revisit intentions. Journal
of Travel Research, 52(5), pp.600-613.
Bruwer, J., Pratt, M.A., Saliba, A. and Hirche, M., 2017. Regional destination image perception
of tourists within a winescape context. Current Issues in Tourism, 20(2), pp.157-177.
Pandža Bajs, I., 2015. Tourist perceived value, relationship to satisfaction, and behavioral
intentions: The example of the Croatian tourist destination Dubrovnik. Journal of Travel
Research, 54(1), pp.122-134.
Ashton, A.S. and Lakpetch, P., 2016. Stakeholders' perspective and a way forward for
destination development for Japanese international retirement migration tourists in
Thailand. CAUTHE 2016: The Changing Landscape of Tourism and Hospitality: The
Impact of Emerging Markets and Emerging Destinations, p.348.
Chen, C.F. and Phou, S., 2013. A closer look at destination: Image, personality, relationship and
loyalty. Tourism management, 36, pp.269-278.
Kim, J.H., 2014. The antecedents of memorable tourism experiences: The development of a
scale to measure the destination attributes associated with memorable experiences.
Tourism management, 44, pp.34-45.
Stepchenkova, S. and Li, X.R., 2014. Destination image: Do top-of-mind associations say it all?.
Annals of Tourism Research, 45, pp.46-62.
Chon, K.S., 2015. Traveler destination image modification process and its marketing
implications. In Proceedings of the 1990 Academy of Marketing Science (AMS) Annual
Conference (pp. 480-482). Springer, Cham.
Smith, W.W and et.al., 2015. Tracking destination image across the trip experience with
smartphone technology. Tourism management, 48, pp.113-122.
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