The effects of perceived authenticity, information search behaviour, motivation and destination imagery on cultural behavioural intentions of tourists

Abstract

This study tested a structural model which investigates the effects of perceived authenticity, motivation, information search behaviour and destination imagery on tourists' behavioural intentions to consume cultural attractions. Data were collected at selected cultural and natural heritage sites in the island of Mauritius (N ¼ 600). The sample was split into two data sets. Structural equation modelling and hierarchical multiple regression were employed to test the hypothesised relationships. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between perceived authenticity and cultural behavioural intentions of tourists. Destination imagery had an influence on tourists' cultural intentions. Information search behaviour was found to exert a negative influence on tourists' cultural intentions while motivation did not have any influence on the latter. Perceived authenticity was seen to exert a moderating effect on the respective relationships between motivation, information search behaviour, destination imagery and cultural behavioural intentions of tourists. The theoretical and managerial implications of the study are discussed.

Determinants of Intention to Visit Phuket, Thailand

“…It is also confirmed by other studies e.g. internal motivation and external motivation affect intentions to visit along with destination image (Ramkissoon & Uysal, 2011).…”

Who visits World Heritage? A comparative analysis of three cultural sites

“…al., 2006;Kerstetter et. al., 2001;Light and Prentice, 1994;Nguyen and Cheung, 2014;Ramkissoon and Uysal, 2011;Richards, 2007;Sánchez-Cañizares and López-Guzmán, 2012). However, there has been little research into the more specific group of visitors who frequent World Heritage sites, especially in regards to their demographic characteristics.…”

Exploring Motivational Factors for Dude Ranch Vacations

“…Determining where and how consumers acquire information assists managers in making informed marketing decisions, which closely correspond to push-and-pull motivational theory. Furthermore, Ramkissoon and Uysal (2011) point out that a search for information can be considered the starting point in the vacation decision-making process, in which the prospective consumer evaluates product options and forms purchase intentions.…”

“…With a variety of information sources available to consumers, and with the Internet making information more readily available, electronic word-of-mouth (WOM) has been shown to play a factor in consumer-purchase decisions (Bieger & Laesser, 2004;Fjelstul, Wang, & Li, 2012;Ramkissoon & Uysal, 2011). In the context of dude-ranch vacation-purchase intentions, WOM, as a personal source of information; traditional marketing avenues, such as associations specializing in dude-ranch vacations; and travel agents/tour operators, as impersonal sources of information, could have an important role in purchasing decisions when planning a dude-ranch vacation.…”