Stella Kladou

Aspects of Sustainability in the Destination Branding Process: A Bottom-up Approach

The concept of sustainability is based on the premise that the inhabitants of a destination should be involved in the way that destination is managed and promoted. At the same time, the literature of place branding emphasizes the important role of local stakeholders in the creation of a true and reliable place brand. In fact, the process of developing a destination brand begins with the aim of shaping the identity of a destination; what the destination stands for. The sustainable dimensions of the destination branding process are explored, while focus groups and structured questionnaires are used to evaluate the usefulness of projection techniques in the process of building a brand identity. It seems that the use of the personification technique could work as an effective destination positioning exercise and as an alternative proposal to the outdated clichés used in tourism promotion.

Destination brand equity research from 2001 to 2012

The present study delves into a review of the destination brand equity literature published since 2001, aiming to offer tourism researchers a reference guide to the general context, corresponding methods, and focus of previous works. A multisource search resulted in the identification of 64 relevant papers. Content analysis using multiple classifier variables provides further insights into specific geographical, conceptual, and methodological aspects. Conclusions pertain to the multidimensional character of the construct, the methodology, and context in which destination brand performance has been developed. Destination brand equity appears as a rapidly conceived concept, borrowed from traditional (corporate/product) branding theory, while discussion on its definition and operationalization is still in progress and has yet to mature in a multidisciplinary context. As the first attempt to review destination brand equity within the top tourism and marketing journals and relevant search engines, the study may contribute to a comprehensive overview of the field. The outcomes offer marketing scholars an in-depth view of the concept, providing an overall insight on the various ways destination brands might be evaluated.

Developing a structural brand equity model for cultural destinations

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the structural relationships between the brand equity (BE) dimensions, when the fifth dimension of cultural brand assets is incorporated. The paper seeks to establish and validate a five-dimensional BE measure for cultural urban destination, by comparing findings in two destinations. Design/methodology/approach – The structural model was tested from the perspective of 399 international tourists visiting Athens. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling analysis are used to test and validate an integrated BE model for cultural destinations. Findings are compared with respective ones in the case of Rome. Findings – Findings reveal the significance of cultural brand assets for the BE of cultural urban destinations. Further, the study provides useful insight into the theory of reasoned action by investigating the structural relationships developed between BE dimensions and their impact on loyalty. Research limitations/implications – The study argues...

Matching tourism type and destination image perceptions in a country context

Recent upheavals caused in a largely globalized macroeconomic environment have affected places and countries that previously seemed immune to challenge. Country image perceptions are gradually reconsidered while the post-recession status is in a dynamic formulation. Cities, regions and countries strive in order to market themselves professionally in the international arena (van Ham, 2001) and achieve higher levels of market orientation, possibly reinforced by factors such as market turbulence and competition intensity (Denis, Czellar and Graber, 2001). Tourism plays a crucial role in the field of country image since “it allows personal interaction with locals and the host country culture” (Dinnie, 2011, p.80). International tourism market comprises of a variety of destinations offering alternative selling propositions to a proliferation of tourism segments. A single country may provide several tourism products (i.e. distinct forms of tourism) and may be “multibought” by different groups at the same time; hence, “it must be ‘multisold’, or sold as a product to these segments based on their need” (Mossberg and Kleppe, 2005, p.9). The question raised relates to the possible effect of country image on the various tourism forms in the destination portfolio.