Destination Tourism Image: a Brazilian publications study

Abstract

Tourism related studies encompass several research topics including destination tourism image. This issue is perceived in different areas of knowledge such as sociology and marketing. In Brazil, many researchers have tried to understand the destination tourism image of the country. In order to understand how this topic has been worked in Brazil, this bibliographical study aimed to analyze and understand the image content about tourist destinations in Brazilian journals in the last six years (2008-2014). From a survey of articles published in this period, using as search the website "Tourism Publications," twenty-eight articles were identified. The analysis showed that the studies are focused on understanding the image of a destination in particular, especially at the country image level. The articles analyzed are predominantly empirical studies and there is a balance between quantitative and qualitative. With regard to the literature, we found that the Brazilian authors who have worked with the picture theme destinations, already seeking international bibliographies to support their studies. Also in the works on this topic, it was identified better maturity of the authors regarding the use of statistical tools. Some studies make a good analysis of international studies and apply these theories in Brazil. It was concluded that this topic has been studied in greater depth in the country, compared to subjects such as perception of residents.