TOURISTS’ OR RESIDENTS’ PRIORITY? A DOUBLE PERSPECTIVE ON AN EMERGING TOURIST DESTINATION

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine, evaluate and compare destination image using two independent samples, tourists and residents. A quantitative research has been conducted in Timisoara. The results have been processed using statistical methods and techniques (T-tests and the Pearson Correlation). In this research, a set of cognitive, affective and unique attributes, as well as the overall image, have been evaluated in order to analyze the perceptions, opinions and beliefs. The results indicated that the same tourist destination may be differently perceived by visitors and locals, with significant implications for the destination image and tourists’ behavior.

Keywords

• mental representation
• destination image
• tourists’ perception
• residents’ perception
• tourists’ behavior
• european capital of culture
• timisoara
• romania