Enhancing destination image through travel website information

Abstract

Effects of a travel website on tourists' destination images were examined. The relationship between information search using websites and destination image was studied. In addition, the validity of experimental design as a method for examining destination image was explored. A static-group comparison design was conducted using two sets of students as experimental and control groups. A travel website search was the stimuli for the experimental group. Results revealed that exposure to a travel website significantly affected the majority of cognitive and overall destination images. Additionally, experimental design was shown to be an effective method in measuring changes in destination image. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.