Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2012

Abstract

The Internet has become a key marketing channel for tourist destinations. To identify typical features of destination websites, a content analysis of websites for top global destinations—by number of international arrivals—was conducted. Six factors were evaluated: primary focus, navigation and interactivity, visual and presentation style, textual information, use of advertising, and use of social media and travel aids. In addition, a cluster analysis was conducted to identify homogeneous groups of websites in the sample. The findings revealed three naturally occurring groups. Inter-cluster differences suggest that DMOs use different approaches to target potential visitors, as evidenced by websites ranging from purely informative and simply designed to highly commerce-oriented and visually alluring. Based on the exploratory analyses, a conventional wisdom for destination website design is proposed.

Comments

Published: Luna-Nevarez, C. and M. R. Hyman. "Common Practices in Destination Website Design." Journal of Destination Marketing & Management 1.1-2 (2012): 94–106.

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jdmm.2012.08.002


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