The destination product and its impact on traveller perceptions

The growing interest in destination competitiveness has focused attention o n the definition and description of a destination product, and how the tour ist perceives this complex amalgam of elements and experiences. This paper reviews the literature and identifies two sub-components of a destination p roduct, then proceeds to examine their significance as perceived by tourist s. Testing of the conceptional model is undertaken using secondary data rel ating to visits to a premier Canadian destination, with respect to its visi tors' perceptions of quality, value and intent to return. The results revea l that all seven hypotheses are supported, although the strength of general environmental elements and quality seem more significant than other elemen ts in this one test. Certain managerial and research issues are raised as a result of the analysis. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .