Travelling for Umrah: destination attributes, destination image, and post-travel intentions

Abstract

This paper examines the links between cosmopolitanism, self-identity, and a desire for social interaction perceived destination image and behavioural intentions. A model tested using a sample of 538 Iranian visitors to Mecca for the purpose of Umrah. The result from the structural model suggests that destination attributes influence perceived destination image. Further, such tourists are likely to revisit or recommend Islamic destinations if their experience matches their perceived image of the destination. This implies that, while the religious characteristics of the destination remain important, destination managers cannot disregard the tangential, non-religious attributes of a destination which are crucial in order to satisfy more conventional tourist desires. As such, this study suggests that those managing religious travel destinations should endeavour to foster a welcoming image, where experience, interaction and tolerance are at the forefront of the destination's offering.

The traditional marketplace: serious leisure and recommending authentic travel

“…For example, visitors could be directed to local archaeological museums or heritage offerings laden with objects and artefacts of interest to tourists, which may further complement the experiential nature of visiting the Bazaar. Additionally, site managers should ensure appropriate levels of supplementary information are offered to serious leisure motivated visitors, who are more likely to possess knowledge of the site they visit through pre-travel preparation, and whose expectations can influence their propensity to recommend such travel to others (Gannon et al, 2017). Practically, this could take the form of opening the site up to further historical investigation, and engaging with media to communicate the history of the complex to wider audiences.…”

“…Positive WOM recommendations can enhance tourists' destination image and awareness (Confente, 2015;Gannon et al, 2017;Phillips, Wolfe, Hodur, & Leistritz, 2013) while, outside of the tourism context, WOM can enhance consumer purchase intentions and heighten their post-purchase evaluations (Buttle, 1998;Litvin et al, 2008;O'Neill, Palmer, & Charters, 2002). Conversely, negative WOM recommendations represent a significant threat to the reputation of affected organisations (Buttle, 1998;Morgan, Pritchard, & Piggott, 2003).…”

Understanding the Influence of Airport Servicescape on Traveler Dissatisfaction and Misbehavior

“…These are primarily concerned with how consumers identify and respond to others' behaviors (Grove and Fisk 1997). In tourism, this social environment typically comprises fellow travelers and employees (Choo and Petrick 2014), and is important as travelers seek environments that encourage socialization and provide opportunities for interaction (Gannon et al 2017;Sheng, Simpson, and Siguaw 2017).…”

Measuring host sincerity: scale development and validation

“…To encourage host sincerity, destination managers should focus on both dimensions representing the host sincerity construct by embracing mechanisms, such as workshops or training days, to educate locals on the importance of this interactive element of hospitality and the benefit of being considered sincere hosts by tourists. This could result in a more memorable experience for tourists, who are less likely to feel exploited and are perhaps more likely to return to the same destination or influence others to visit through positive word-of-mouth recommendations (Gannon et al, 2017).…”