Exploring Emotional Response To Images Used In Agritourism Destination Marketing

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Carol Kline PhD, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the role that photography can play in agritourism destination marketing (ADM). The study utilized photo-elicitation and included five focus groups: two farmer groups, two visitors groups, and one of Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) staff and community members from the Greenbrier Valley in West Virginia. Participants were shown farm images used for agritourism marketing, and their responses were teased into themes. Results indicated that subjects preferred photos portraying animals and farmers together as well as photographs of farmers interacting with tourists. Participants also preferred photographs including children. Related to nostalgia, historical structures and landscapes were favorites. Visitors preferred visually appealing animals while common farm practices (e.g. animal ear tags) were considered unpleasant. The presence of fences evoked negative emotions from tourists and color images were preferred for promotions by farmers and tourists. The results can aid destination marketers by providing insight into the reactions certain photographs elicit for various stakeholders.

Additional Information

Publication
Joyner, L., et al. (2018). "Exploring emotional response to images used in agritourism destination marketing." Journal of Destination Marketing & Management 9: 44-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdmm.2017.10.004. Publisher version of record available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212571X17300033
Language: English
Date: 2018
Keywords
Agritourism destinations, Farm photography, Farm animals, Marketing images, Focus groups, Photo-elicitation, Authenticity

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