No abstract

Destination image influences tourist behaviour before, during and after travel, as it is an important instrument which contributes to tourists' loyalty. Although Gartner (1993) advocates that the cognitive, affective and conative dimensions of destination image are hierarchically interrelated, there is no empirical evidence to support the complete model. This study aims to test the hierarchical nature of the relationship between the dimensions of destination image. The results of structural equation modelling confirm Gartner's theoretical model, validating the theory that the influence of the cognitive component on the conative dimension is higher when mediated by the affective component, raising managerial implications.

This paper aims to contribute to the conceptualization of the sensory dimension of tourist experiences by discussing its theoretical underpinnings. A multidisciplinary approach to the human senses shows their importance to the individual's experience and perception of the surrounding world, recommending the appropriateness of a holistic analysis of sensescapes in tourism. A review of empirical studies conducted under the experiential paradigm of tourism on the five human senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch) evinces the use of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, which depends on research purposes, but also the practical implications of findings and data analysis to destination marketing and management. The paper discusses the role of the senses in designing tourist experiences, and identifies important topics regarding the study of the sensory dimension of tourist experiences, considering future research opportunities.

The proposed themes correspond to a four-solution cluster of tourists presenting different profiles. The largest segment (73 tourists) corresponds to the rural experience, regarding which tourists mainly refer to the taste of local food and the smell of fresh air.

This study examines on-site co-creation experiences from a tourist perspective. A review of the relevant literature and in-depth interviews with 22 tourists who participated in a 'swimming with dolphins' experience are used to explore the importance of active participation and interaction in enhancing tourist attention and the memorability of the experience. Findings show that high levels of attention and memorability have been associated with particular cognitive and physical activities and interactions during the overall experience, and suggesting that on-site co-creation influences memorability by focusing a visitor's attention. This study contributes both to the understanding and conceptualization of co-creation experiences in the field of tourism by substantiating the usefulness of a psychologically-based approach to experience design.