Destination Positioning Analysis through a Comparison of Cognitive, Affective, and Conative Perceptions

TLDR

Destination image research has grown rapidly, yet few studies address destination positioning and affective perceptions. The study compares cognitive, affective, and conative perceptions to analyze market positions of competing destinations. Cognition was assessed with a factor‑analytic importance‑performance analysis, affect with an affective response grid, and conation with stated intent to visit. The analysis identified two destinations that lead on distinct dimensions of attractiveness, suggesting the method helps marketers pinpoint differentiating features.

Abstract

There has been exponential growth in the number of studies of destination image appearing in the tourism literature. However, few have addressed the issues of destination positioning analysis and the role of affective perceptions. This article analyzes the market positions held by a competitive set of destinations through a comparison of cognitive, affective, and conative perceptions. Cognition was identified by trialing a factor analytic adaptation of importanceperformance analysis. Affect was measured using an affective response grid, while conation was gauged by stated intent to visit. The alignment of the results from these techniques identified leadership positions held by two quite different destinations on two quite different dimensions of destination attractiveness. It is suggested that this method of positioning analysis offers a practical means for destination marketers faced with the challenge of identifying the one or few features from their diverse and multiattributed product range that could be developed to differentiate their destination in a meaningful way to consumers.