Deconstructing destination perceptions, experiences, stories and internet search: text analysis in tourism research

RIS ID

37231

Publication Details

Gretzel, U., Xiang, Z., Wober, K. & Fesenmaier, D. R. (2008). Deconstructing destination perceptions, experiences, stories and internet search: text analysis in tourism research. In A. G. Woodside & D. Martin (Eds.), Tourism Management: Analysis, Behaviour and Strategy (pp. 339-357). Cambridge, MA: CABI Publishing.

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of developments which have resulted in an increased availability of text data, thereby creating greater interest in analysing text in the context of tourism. The first section of the chapter discusses different approaches to text analysis. Specifically, the chapter compares and contrasts qualitative and quantitative text analysis. Next, the chapter describes computer-assisted approaches and presents various representational techniques. The second section introduces four case studies to illustrate the depth and breadth of applications of text analysis in tourism research. The first case study employs a causal mapping technique to assess the changing market structure as perceived by managers in incentive travel. The second case study uses a hermeneutic approach to interpret consumers’ perceptions of memorable experiences at a Midwest destination in the USA. The third case study applies quantitative analytical techniques to compare the language people use to describe their dining experiences at different types of restaurants. The fourth and final case study uses search keywords to identify the nature of competition between European cities. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the growing significance of text analysis in tourism as well as several important research challenges yet to overcome.

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

http://dx.doi.org/10.1079/9781845933234.0339