Progress and Prospects of Destination Image Research in the Last Decade

Abstract

Destination image influences tourists’ perceptions and opinions of destinations and plays a crucial role in tourist behavior and travel-purchase-related decisions. This study summarizes and reviews 151 pieces of literature on destination image published in six major international hospitality and tourism academic journals in the last decade (January 2012–February 2022). By combing through the literature, we found that research on destination image in the previous decade has focused on the following four major areas: (1) the structure of destination image; (2) the measurement and branding of destination image, (3) the influencing factors of destination image, and (4) the influence of destination image on tourists’ behavioral intentions. These results revealed and clarified the latest international research dynamics. The findings provide an all-encompassing understanding of destination image, illustrate the academic evolution of the topic, and point to crucial directions for future research.