Destination image and destination personality: An application of branding theories to tourism places

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between destination image and destination personality. While brand image and brand personality studies are well documented in the generic marketing literature, application of branding theories to places, in particular to tourism destinations, is relatively new. Using tourism destinations as a setting, this study contributes to the debate on the brand image-brand personality relationship. Results indicate that destination image and destination personality are related concepts. Canonical correlation analysis reveals that the emotional component of destination image captures the majority of variance on destination personality dimensions. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.