AN INTEGRATIVE MODEL OF COGNITIVE IMAGE AND CITY BRAND EQUITY

Abstract

This study aims to assess the effect of cognitive image and city brand equity on total city branding, evaluation of word-ofmouth (WOM), brand commitment and intention to revisit. The conceptual model used in the impact study of the impact of tangible and intangible elements related to city branding. Involving 423 tourists visiting four cities in West Java, Indonesia as an assessment of the variables studied. The results showed that the conclusions on cognitive image, city brand equity and brand commitment were low. While the other categories are classified as good. These findings also reveal the analysis of the relationship between variables, including cognitive image variables that have a significant effect on city brand equity. Cognitive image is explained through the dimensions of quality experience, tourist attraction, infrastructure environment, and outdoor activities. Meanwhile, city brand equity is measured by brand awareness, brand loyalty, and brand value. Furthermore, the results also show that the variable city brand equity has a significant effect on the variable word-of-mouth (WOM), brand commitment, and the intention to revisit. The most significant influence exerted on brand commitment. These results indicate that the condition of city brand equity affects how wordof-mouth, brand commitment, intention to revisit. This study only discusses part of the tourism activities carried out in these four destinations, so to confirm these findings it is necessary to carry out further research on various destinations and events.

Keywords

• city branding
• cognitive image
• word-of-mouth
• brand commitment
• city brand equity