Determinants of sports tourism destination image: The interplay of facilities, branding, and social media
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study investigates the determinants of sports tourism destination image (STDI) by examining the roles of infrastructure and facility adequacy (IFA), branding and promotional effectiveness (BPE), and social media posts (SMP). Drawing on destination image theory and digital engagement perspectives, a structural model was tested using survey data from 357 sports tourists. Results demonstrate that both IFA and BPE significantly enhance STDI, directly and indirectly, through SMP. The findings confirm that SMP functions as a central mediating mechanism, translating traditional destination attributes into co-created digital narratives that strengthen image formation. By integrating offline and online factors, this study advances theoretical understanding of sports tourism destination image. It provides practical guidance for managers and policymakers aiming to enhance competitiveness in increasingly digital tourism markets.
Author: Amelia S. Rocksand
Institution: University of Minnesota
Language: English
Topic: Sport and Mega-Event Impacts
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414534890