The Spatial Clustering Effect of Destination Distribution on Cognitive Distance Estimates and Its Impact on Tourists' Destination Choices

Abstract

ABSTRACT. This study examines the role of cognitive distance measures in predicting tourists' destination visiting intentions. In addition, the study examines the stability of those roles across three distance ranges. A total of 1,020 Taichung residents in Taiwan were administered an on‐site questionnaire. The results indicated that, when considering all destinations, cognitive distance estimates did not directly predict tourists' visiting intentions; instead, cognitive distance estimates influenced the inaccuracy of cognitive distance which then predicted visiting intentions. Point pattern analysis revealed that respondents preferred destinations were spatially clustered; therefore, the stability of the proposed model was then tested across psychological, hybrid, and physical distance ranges. The complexity of the findings was then interpreted in the context of Taiwan's spatially clustered destinations; and theoretical, research, and practical implications are proposed.

Keywords:

• Cognitive distance
• visiting intentions
• point pattern analysis
• spatial clustering
• geographic information systems

Notes

1. US$1.00  =  NṬ30.74 (as of March 2008).