Travelling for Umrah: destination attributes, destination image, and post-travel intentions

Gannon, M. J., Baxter, I. W. F., Collinson, E., Curran, R., Farrington, T., Glasgow, S., Godsman, E. M., Gori, K., Jack, G. R. A., Lochrie, S., Maxwell-Stuart, R., MacLaren, A. C., MacIntosh, R., O’Gorman, K., Ottaway, L., Perez Vega, R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1619-317X, Taheri, B., Thompson, J. and Yalinay, O. (2017) Travelling for Umrah: destination attributes, destination image, and post-travel intentions. The Service Industries Journal, 37 (7-8). pp. 448-465. ISSN 1743-9507 doi: 10.1080/02642069.2017.1333601

Abstract/Summary

This paper examines the links between cosmopolitanism, self-identity, and a desire for social interaction perceived destination image and behavioural intentions. A model tested using a sample of 538 Iranian visitors to Mecca for the purpose of Umrah. The result from the structural model suggests that destination attributes influence perceived destination image. Further, such tourists are likely to revisit or recommend Islamic destinations if their experience matches their perceived image of the destination. This implies that, while the religious characteristics of the destination remain important, destination managers cannot disregard the tangential, non-religious attributes of a destination which are crucial in order to satisfy more conventional tourist desires. As such, this study suggests that those managing religious travel destinations should endeavour to foster a welcoming image, where experience, interaction and tolerance are at the forefront of the destination’s offering.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-pure-test.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/70393
Identification Number/DOI	10.1080/02642069.2017.1333601
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Henley Business School > Digitalisation, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Central Services
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