The Role of Film in Destination Decision Making

Croy, G.

University of Otago

N/A

N/A

www.business.otago.ac.nz

Dr Croy, profle and contact details.

The purpose of this research is to create a method and measure the influence of fictional film media in potential tourists’ destination decision‐making, using a quasi‐experimental method. Film tourism researchers have implied that film plays a direct role in generating tourism. In this research, however, it is proposed that film plays an indirect role through the construction of meaning of place, and therefore destination awareness, availability and evaluation.

A two‐part multiphase quasi‐experimental method was created and implemented to identify change in a destination’s image due to watching a film. Part One was qualitative in nature and implemented to discover destination image attributes (evaluative components and decision‐making factors) used in destination selection (survey n=202, in‐depth interviews n= 10). Part One concluded with the compilation of a list of relevant, clear and efficient attributes for Part Two. The list maintained sufficient diversity to define destination image, and was composed of 21 decision‐making factors and 40 evaluative components. Part Two then measured the destination’s image, and change in that image due to watching a feature film (pre and post survey n=67). Change in this quasi‐experimental method was assessed by the importance of the attributes being measured, the influence of the film on these attributes and most importantly the combined effect of the film on these attributes.

The Vertical Ray of the Sun, a film set in Vietnam, was used to apply and test this innovative quasiexperimental method. The application assessed not only the effect of the film on Vietnam’s image, but also the applicability of the method. The film positively influenced the respondents’ image of Vietnam. The film had a measured effect on more than half of the attributes. That noted, the actual number of attributes affected to the marked level were 17 out of 61 for the difference in means and only 11 for the eta2 value. Consequently, whilst the film positively affected the image of Vietnam, most of the attributes still needed significant change to modify tourism demand.

The thesis importantly contributed to the study of destination image methodologically by asserting the need to assess the importance, influence and effect. This new method can and should be implemented to assess and monitor the effects of many events. This research also contributed by introducing a quasi‐experimental cumulative importance‐influence measure of effect. The contribution was highlighted in that those attributes with a large influence did not always have a large effect on the destination’s image. Neither performance by itself, nor importance by itself, can be used as a final effect measure.

Finally, this research supports other film‐induced tourism studies: film does influence destination image. As presented in more recent studies film‐tourism is more likely to be an incidental experience than a reason to visit a place. These more recent studies too may underplay the role of film by focusing on film as an attraction or activity, rather than its role in the actual decision to visit. This research has contributed to film tourism research by highlighting that film can still play a role in the decision‐making process, even though it may not be an attraction or a desired experience in itself.

Keywords:

Tourism, Film, Film locations, Impact, Attractions

Unpublished Thesis, please contact Dr Croy for enquiries

Case study

International

Outdoor Recreation, Recreation

Tourists

Other setting, Outdoors

Barriers, Benefits, Fees, Fees, charges, user pays, Impacts- social, Participation

1320

July 16, 2012