Matching Crisis Event With Destination Response Strategy

Abstract

A conceptual model is tested across four studies that examine how tourist destination crisis types (external/internal) impact the information processing mode (heuristic/systematic), internal state (empathy/animosity), and boycott intentions of tourists. The matching effect between destination crisis event type and response strategy (defensive/accommodative) are also examined. Results suggest that internally attributed destination crisis events may be more likely to lead to boycott, and tourists tend to employ a heuristic information processing mode for externally attributed crises but a systematic mode for internally attributed crises. The matching effect of destination crisis type with response strategy indicated that a defensive (accommodative) strategy may effectively weaken the negative effects of externally (internally) attributed crises. Discerning the nature and perceived causes of crisis events offers a means to pinpoint approaches for guiding response strategies to mitigate the likelihood of boycotts and inform effective strategies for handling a destination crisis.