U.S. International Pleasure Travelers’ Images of Four Mediterranean Destinations: A Comparison of Visitors and Nonvisitors

Abstract

This study compares U.S. international pleasure travelers’ images of four Mediterranean destinations—Turkey, Egypt, Greece, and Italy—for both visitors and nonvisitors. The image construct was conceptualized as having three components: cognitive, affective, and overall image. MANOVA analysis indicated that significant differences exist in all image components between the four destination countries. The findings revealed strengths and weaknesses of the four competing destinations and implications for positioning in the U.S. international pleasure market as well as product development and promotion strategy for the destinations.