المستخلص: |
The study aimed to explore the impact of cognitive and affective dimensions on destination choice, focusing on Skikda as a case study. It sought to evaluate the extent to which the destination image influences the tourists' behavior by testing a main hypothesis suggesting a statistically significant effect of cognitive and affective dimensions on tourists' decisions to choose Skikda as a travelling destination. Data were collected using a questionnaire distributed to 235 participants between January 10 and February 25, 2024. The questionnaire consisted of two sections: the first gathered personal information, and the second measured the three dimensions (cognitive, affective, and behavioral) related to the destination image. The findings revealed a strong positive relationship between prior knowledge of the destination and behavioral intention, with the affective dimension having a more significant impact than the cognitive one. The study concluded that enhancing and disseminating information about tourist destinations and strengthening emotional connections are essential for boosting their attractiveness. This, in turn, positively affects tourists' repeated visits and loyalty to the destination. The research recommended improving tourism marketing strategies that aim to build a comprehensive positive image of destinations, emphasizing emotional aspects that enrich tourists' experiences and encourage them to choose the destination again, thereby supporting the local tourism sector and ensuring its sustainability.
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