The Perceived Destination Image of Hangzhou City of China as Received in the Travel Blogs of Western Tourists

Abstract

This study explored travel blogs as a manifestation of travel experience, along with the destination image of Hangzhou city of China from the perspective of western tourists. Frequency analysis, semantic network analysis as well as content analysis were taken in this study which aims to reveal the perception of western travelers to Hangzhou. The data for this study was from the blogs of western tourists who had been to Hangzhou. Empirical results revealed that the overall perceived destination image of Hangzhou was positive, with particular strengths in tourist attractions and major weaknesses in meals and transportation.

Using travel blogs to explore the image of Romania as an emerging tourism destination

“…Indeed, tourists' personal storytelling can create and project tourist image on other tourists, and therefore serve to promote destinations, according to Lin and Huang (2006). Accordingly, perceived destination image has been analysed through travel blogs by Çakmak and Isaac (2012), Mali et al (2013), Pan et al (2007) and Wenger (2008). The importance of stories in blogs help create an overall image of the destination and may reduce possible doubts by sharing experiences and making the destination image clearer (Çakmak & Isaac, 2012).…”