The influence of consumer's event quality perception on destination image

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the theoretical relationship between event quality perceptions of an international sport event and the host city's destination image.

Design/methodology/approach

Reliability and validity of the measurement scale were established through a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Cronbach's alpha analyses, and intercorrelation analyses. A structural equation model (SEM) test with maximum likelihood estimation was performed to test the relationship among the research variables using 451 participants.

Findings

The results suggest that event quality perceptions, particularly intangible factors, positively influence the destination image. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Originality/value

To date, there have been few empirical studies examining the relationship between international sport event quality and destination image. Consequently, understanding the role of event quality of an international sport event and the destination image in a tourist's decision‐making process, and their theoretical relationship, will make both scientific and practical contributions.