Destinationscape: An Integrated and Holistic Conceptualization

Abstract

Destinations are growingly acknowledged as dynamic entities requiring strategic resource management to provide value for stakeholders. In this sense, to be recognized as desirable places to visit, to live or to invest in, with a harmonious integration among the stakeholders, it is imperative to frame destinations’ distinctiveness using the experience marketing perspective. Through a combination of an integrative literature review and an academic panel with diverse expertise, this conceptual research aims to conceptualize and depict the environmental features composing destinationscape as a construct, considering the dynamic interplay of multiple ‘scapes’. As a result, the proposed conceptual framework comprises five second-order and 17 first-order dimensions. This research is expected to contribute to the theory around destination experience and experiencescape by offering a comprehensive view, where destinationscape emerges from continuous interactions between the destination’s external environment and its stakeholders. Consequently, this research contributes to destination competitiveness and governance by conceptualizing and providing a framework around destinationscape.