How Far Is the Ideal Destination? Distance Desire, Ways to Explore the Antinomy of Distance Effects in Tourist Destination Choice

Abstract

This study aims to explore the antinomy of distance effects in tourist destination choice by demonstrating its catalytic effect and functionary mechanism. The concept of “distance desire” is proposed to express the catalytic effect of distance, while the attributes and subdivisional dimensions of this concept are also analyzed. A tourist destination decision model is constructed to explore the relationships between the related behavior variables and tourist travel intention. The results of this study indicate that distance desire as well as tourist attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control are important variables that positively affect tourist travel intention. Distance desire has also been demonstrated to play an intermediary role between tourist attitudes and travel intention and tourist subjective norms and travel intention. The introduction of distance desire can improve and enhance the interpretation and forecasting capabilities of the tourist destination decision model.