Eurasia: Economics & Business, 1 (19), January 2019: Et Al., 2015)
Eurasia: Economics & Business, 1 (19), January 2019: Et Al., 2015)
Eurasia: Economics & Business, 1 (19), January 2019: Et Al., 2015)
DOI https://doi.org/10.18551/econeurasia.2019-01
UDC 334
ABSTRACT
Objective of this study is to analyze and explain how much influence Electronic Word of
Mouth (eWOM) has towards visit intention with destination image as mediating variable.
The study was categorized as explanatory research. The sampling method was purposive
sampling. The population is domestic visitors of Museum Angkut while the respondents were
160 domestic visitors of the tourist visitors. The analysis method was path analysis.
The findings stated that eWOM has a positive and significant influence towards visit intention
directly. In addition, eWOM has influenced towards visit intention through destination image,
the mediating variable. EWOM also has significant influence towards destination image.
Finally, destination image has a positive and significant influence towards visit intention.
KEY WORDS
Electronic word of mouth, destination image, visit intention, public service.
50
Eurasia: Economics & Business, 1(19), January 2019
DOI https://doi.org/10.18551/econeurasia.2019-01
Visit intention, according to Hsu and Huang (2010) and Lam and Hsu (2006), can be
discussed based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Lam and Hsu (2006) showed that
past behavior, subjective norm and controlled behavior have direct influence towards visit
intention. However, Hsu and Huang (2010) argued that construction of TPB predicting
interest may not always be manifested as actual behavior.
This combined the findings of the previous related studies and applied them to service
industry, namely domestic visitor of Museum Angkut, a prominent tourist destination in Batu.
Museum Angkut is one of the icons of educational tourism in Indonesia because it is the
largest transportation museum in Indonesia. Museum Angkut is a modern museum that
transforms the role of museums into center for preservation, research and communication
and aims to provide function as channel of education and means of recreations for the
society (Weil, 1990; Hooper-Greenhill, 1994).
The fact shows that activities in museum have developed due to change of paradigm.
Activities in museum was once closely associated to collection of artifacts, but recently, the
activities has become more public-oriented. Museum is no longer considered as a place to
store rare and expensive artifacts; instead it is a cultural institution that serves the society
(Magetsari, 2008). Therefore, museum has started developing as an institution more
welcoming for the public (Pamuji, 2011).
Besides that, Urry (1998) stated that postmodern museum has developed recently, in
which visitors can take active participation in an exhibition instead of passively standing while
observing the exhibition. In other words, postmodern museum treats artifacts and exhibition
as means of entertainment. Postmodern museum combines education and entertainment
through either an open or closed museum or other recreational facilities.
Tourism sector has pretty significant market potential and profit margin, but at the same
time, the sector opens widely for everyone and consequently competition between actors in
this sector can be rather cut-throat. Actors in the sector compete against one another to
promote their tourist package. As the result, potential visitors have a lot of options prior to
selecting which tourist destination they are going to visit. On the other hand, rapid
development of accessible information and technology has positive impact towards
marketing sector.
In accordance to the elaboration, Urry (1998) stated that many times visitors select
tourist destination based on their imagination or fantasy or image of the destination. The
fantasy and image are created and developed based on not only tourist-related activities
(promotion), but also non tourist-related activities, such as academic work, academic fora
(seminar and workshop) and mass media.
Internet and social media will impact eWOM and many believe that combination of
these two can function as marketing communication strategy that influences destination
image and visit intention of other people. Based on the elaboration, the researchers are
interested in conducting a study entitled “Analysis on Influence of Electronic Word of Mouth
(eWOM) towards Visit intention with Destination Image as Mediating variable (A Study on
Domestic Visitors of Museum Angkut)”.
Based on the background, statements of problems in the study are as follows:
Does eWOM have significant influence towards destination image?
Does eWOM have significant influence towards visit intention?
Does destination image have significant influence towards visit intention?
LITERATURE REVIEW
51
Eurasia: Economics & Business, 1(19), January 2019
DOI https://doi.org/10.18551/econeurasia.2019-01
going on vacation (Tripadvisor.com, 2011). 84% of the visitors use online reviews as
reference when making their travel reservation (Travelindustrywire.com, 2007).
Goldenberg, et.al (2001) emphasized that tourist decision-making is strongly influenced
by WOM from other tourists. Gretzel and Yoo (2008) reported that readers often considered
reviews provided by other travelers more up-to-date, interesting and reliable compared to
nformation from travel agency. EWOM is considered as an important source of information
that influences visit intention and choices of destination (Yun and Good, 2007; Soderlund
and Rosengren, 2007; Jalilvand and Samiei, 2012). Furthermore, Vermeulen and Seegers
(2009) mentioned that positive online reviews increase perception about hotels among
potential tourists.
UNWTO (2007) defined destination as places tourists visit and the visit can influence
other‟s decision to travel. Therefore, tourist destination represents final destination for
tourism (Leiper 1979). Tourist destination, place, region or country, is the main reason for
and end product of tourism. It also includes special places different from ordinary location
due to culture, history, archeology or nature (Urry & Rojek 1997). Berman (2005) defined
destination as a country, state, region, area or city that is marketed or markets itself as a
place for tourists to visit.
Echtner and Ritchie (1991) defined destination image as multidimensional concept that
consists of symbolic and tangible features. As an addition, Baloglu and McCleary (1999)
defined destination image as qualified experience, attraction, value/environment,
relaxation/getaway, awe/adventure, knowledge, social aspect and prestige. According to
Lopes (2011), even though an individual has yet to visit one place, he or she can have
destination image about the place in their head based on information they can access.
Destination image is mental representation of attractive places (Lawson and Baud-Bovy,
1977; Fakeye and Crompton, 1991; Bigne et al., 2001).
Wang et al., (2015) stated that visit intention refers to possibility to visit particular
places in certain period. Some behavioral theories investigated how motivational factors help
developing visitor‟s behavior and how the phenomenon leads to visit intention (Lam & Hsu,
2004, 2006; March & Woodside, 2005a).
One frequently discussed aspect of consumer behavior is Theory of Planned Behavior
(TPB) (Ajzen, 1991). TPB treats both as social (namely subjective norm) and psychology
(namely attitude), factors in developing consumer behavior and have neem widely accepted
and implemented to predict individual behavior in hotel booking (Buttle & Bok, 1996),
selecting destination (Lam & Hsu, 2006), and social psychological studies (Conner, et.al,
2001). TPB is derived from assumption that human is rational being and uses information
systematically. Prior to decision-making, individuals run analysis on implication of their
actions. Based on the empirical studies, the hypotheses are as follows:
H1: eWOM (X) has significant influence towards destination image (Y1).
A number of previous studies suggested that eWOM has positive influence towards
destination image. Jalilvand and Samiei (2012) investigated the influence of eWOM towards
brand image and purchase intention in car industry in Iran. EWOM was the independent
variable in the study. The findings stated that eWOM has positive influence towards
destination image.
In addition, Charo, et.al (2015) also conducted a study to analyze influence of eWOM
in brand image and purchase intention towards adoption of on-line opinions. The indicators
were argument quality, source credibility, adoption and usefulness of information, eWOM
among customer, brand image and purchase intention. Based on the findings of the study,
eWOM can potentially influence brand image and it influenced message recipients‟
perception about goods or service.
The findings of these studies indicated that eWOM has influence towards destination
image. Even though they focused on products, these research provides empirical evidence
to develop similar study in another sector, namely tourist destination.
H2: eWOM (X) has significant influence towards visit intention (Y2).
Previous related studies reported that eWOM has positive influence towards visit
intention. Jalilvand, et.al (2013) stated that eWOM has significant influence towards attitude
52
Eurasia: Economics & Business, 1(19), January 2019
DOI https://doi.org/10.18551/econeurasia.2019-01
towards a tourist destination and visit intention. Jalilvand and Samiei (2012) developed a
model describing influence of eWOM with purchasing intention such as brand image as
partial mediating variable. Jalilvand and Samiei (2012) also reported similar findings, that
brand image is a full mediating variable of purchasing intention.
Penelitian ini juga sejalan dengan Fan and Miao (2012) yang meneliti pengaruh dari
eWOM terhadap minat pembelian dari wisatawan di Taiwan and menghasilkan temuan
bahwa hubungan positif ditegaskan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kredibilitas eWOM yang
dirasakan memiliki pengaruh signifikan pada penerimaan eWOM and minat untuk membeli.
Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penelitian ilmu sosial berbasis gender dapat diterapkan
untuk komunitas virtual and transaksi e-commerce.
The findings of the studies suggested that eWOM has influence towards visit intention.
EWOM can have direct influence towards purchasing or visit intention or indirect influence
through several mediating variables, such as brand or destination image.
H3: Destination image (Y1) has significant influence towards visit intention (Y2).
Some previous related studies suggested that destination image has positive influence
towards visit intention. Chalip, et.al (2003) reported that destination image has significant
influence towards intention to visit particular destination. Bigne, et.al (2005) argue that there
is a positive relationship between destination image of the whole community and intention to
give recommendation for tourists to visit their place.
Moreover, Jalilvand and Samiei (2012) found out that destination image has significant
influence towards visit intention. Based on the study, 45% of the respondents used their
emails for eWOM, 40% relied upon their company websites and 30% used other media (for
example facebook.com) for eWOM. It means in Iran most customers use email to spread
eWOM. Unlike those in Iran, based on the data from “Asosiasi Penyelenggara Jaringan
Internet Indonesia” (APJII) or Indonesian Association of Internet Network Provider, most
Indonesian consumers use social media, for instance Facebook, Instagram, and Twiter, to
access information about eWOM.
The studies indicated that destination image has influence towards visit intention. In
this study, destination image is a mediating variable connecting eWOM and visit intention.
The study also investigated both direct and indirect influence of eWOM on visit intention with
destination image as mediating variable.
The study evaluated relationship between eWOM, destination image and visit intention.
Based on the background, literature review and previous related studies, the following chart
described the conceptual framework of the study.
Destination
Image
(Y1)
H1 H3
METHODS OF RESEARCH
53
Eurasia: Economics & Business, 1(19), January 2019
DOI https://doi.org/10.18551/econeurasia.2019-01
they obtained through eWOM. The population was 17-year-old or older domestic tourists who
visited Museum Angkut Kota Batu based on eWOM from other visitors. The criteria used to
select the population were as follows:
Museum Angkut domestic visitor whose age is 17 years old and older;
Domestic visitors who visit Museum Angkut for the first time;
Domestic visitors who obtain information about Museum Angkut on social media
(Facebook, Instagram, Website and others).
The sampling method was purposive sampling and based on the Machin and
Champbell‟s formula, the total respondents were 160 respondents. The data collection was
questionnaire distribution. The questionnaires were distributed offline in order to obtain
respondents that meet the criteria. The samples were collected on the weekends between
April and May, 2018. In addition, the researchers also had some time to have interaction with
the respondents to probe more detail information from the respondents. The analysis
technique was path analysis with the help of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science)
software.
RESULTS OF STUDY
H1: eWOM (X) has significant influence towards destination image (Y1). The analysis
showed that eWOM has positive and significant influence towards destination image. The
coefficient was 0.511, t-value was 7.152 and significance was 0.000 (<0.05). The findings are
in line with Ishida, et.al, (2016) and Wang (2015). Both studies showed that eWOM has
positive and significant influence towards destination image. Other evidence was average
score of eWOM (4.43) and the highest indicator (4.47). It means eWOM resulted in an
increase in destination image; reading online review on a tourist destination encouraged
visitors to visit the destination.
In addition, the respondents actively seek information about tourist destination on
social media. 55.63% of the respondents looked for information about Museum Angkut from
web browser, 24.38% from Instagram and 8.75% from Facebook. The findings are in
accordance to Bowie and Buttle (2004)‟s statement in their book entitled Hospitality
Marketing that integration of technology in tourism sector is closely related to innovation and
growth of ICT. Therefore, Museum Angkut should improve their social media platform to
increase destination image.
H2: eWOM (X) has significant influence towards visit intention (Y2). The analysis
showed that eWOM has positive and significant influence towards visit intention. The
coefficient was 0.288, t-value was 7.256 and significance was 0.000 (<0.05). It is in line with
Jalilvand, et.al (2013) that eWOM has significant influence towards attitude to visit and visit
intention. It is also in accordance to Wang (2015) that eWOM has positive and significant
influence towards visit intention.
Another evidence was most of the respondents (24.36%) are between 21 and 25 years
old. Known as millennial generation, they are techno-savvy and use social media frequently.
They have fear of missing trends and therefore, try keep up with the most current trend.
The majority of the respondents (43.13%) visited Museum Angkut having seen other
people‟s status update on social media sosial, either Instagram, facebook, whastapp or web
browser. 33% visited the tourist destination because they wanted to visit a new tourist
destination, one they had never visited before. 16.25% visited Museum Angkut because it is
unique and 7.50% visited the place to boost their prestige.
H3: Destination image (Y1) has significant influence towards visit intention (Y2). The
analysis showed that destination image has positive and significant influence towards visit
intention. The coefficient was 0.270, t-value was 6.943 and significance was 0.000 (<0.05).
The findings are in accordance to Chalip, et al., (2003); Bigne, et al., (2005); Jalilvand, et.al.,
(2012); Wang (2015); and Pujiastuti et al (2017) reporting that destination image has positive
and significant influence towards visit intention.
Unique and different concepts Museum Angkut offers are two aspects attracting
visitors. The concepts match those of destination image, a destination different from other
54
Eurasia: Economics & Business, 1(19), January 2019
DOI https://doi.org/10.18551/econeurasia.2019-01
due to its culture, history, archeology or nature (Urry & Rojek 1997). Another relevant
information was the frequency of destination image (4.30), which means that the
respondents had positive attitude towards Museum Angkot. Museum Angkut offers unique
and novel concept was the item with the highest loading factor which indicated that good
destination image will increase visit intention.
CONCLUSION
Based on the result of the data analysis, the findings and hypothesis-testing, it can be
concluded that:
eWOM has positive and significant influence towards destination image. The path
analysis showed that the significance was 0.000 and coefficient was 0.511;
eWOM has positive and significant influence towards visit intention. The path analysis
showed that the significance was 0.000 and coefficient was 0.288;
Destination image has positive and significant influence towards visit intention. The
path analysis showed that the significance was 0.000 and coefficient was 0.270.
Based on the conclusion, it is recommended that:
1. Future researchers should conduct similar study discussing various objects and
characteristics of respondents in order to obtain more comprehensive findings;
2. Local government can use the findings to design and establish policy on tourist
management and tourist development;
3. Jatim Park Group, one responsible for Museum Angkut, can use the findings as
reference for improving their social media platform and promotion.
REFERENCES
1. Abubakar, M. A., Mustafa, I., Raad, M. A., & Kayode, K. E. (2017). eWOM, revisit
intention, destination trust and gender. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management,
31, 220-227.
2. Abubakar, M. A., & Mustafa, I. (2015). Impact of online WOM on destination trust and
intention to travel: A medical tourism perspective. Journal of Destination Marketing &
Management, 5(3), 192-201.
3. Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human
Decision Processes, 50(2), 179-211
4. Baloglu, S., & McCleary, K. W. (1999). US international pleasure travellers‟ image of four
Mediterranean destinations: a comparison of visitors and nonvisitors. Journal of Travel
Research, 38(2), 114-129.
5. Becerra., & Korgaonkar. (2011). Effects of trust beliefs on consumers‟ online intention.
Journal of Marketing, 45(6), 936-962.
6. Berman, B. (2005). How to delight your customers. California Management Review,
48(1), 129-151.
7. Bigne, E., Sanchez, M. I., & Sanchez, J. (2001). „Tourism image, evaluation variables
and after purcahse behaviour: inter-relationship. Tourism Management, 22(6), 607-616.
8. Bigne, E., Sanchez., Isabel, S. G., & Silvia, S. B. (2005). Relationships among residents‟
image, evaluation of the stay and post-purchase behaviour. Journal of Vacation
Marketing, 11(4), 291.
9. Bowie, D., & Francis, B. (2004). Hospitality Marketing: An Introduction. London: Elsevier
Butterworth Heinemann.
10. Buttle, F. A. (1998). Word of mouth: Understanding and managing re-ferral marketing.
Journal of Strategic Marketing, 6, 241-254.
11. Buttle, F., Bok, B. (1996). Hotel marketing strategy and the theory of reasoned action.
International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 8(3), 5-10.
12. Chalip, L., Christine, B. G., & Brad, H. (2003). Effects of Sport Event Media on
Destination Image and Intention to Visit. Journal of Sport Management, 17(3), 214-234.
55
Eurasia: Economics & Business, 1(19), January 2019
DOI https://doi.org/10.18551/econeurasia.2019-01
13. Charo, N., Pershant, S., Saadullah, S., Abdul, H., & Muhammad, Z. S. (2015).
Determining The Impact Of E-Wom on Brand Image And Purchase Intention Through
Adoption Of Online Opinions. International Journal Of Humanities And Management
Sciences, 3(1).
14. Conner, M., Kirk, S. F., Cade, J. E., & Barrett, J. H. (2001). Why do women use dietary
supplements? The use of the theory of planned behavior to explore beliefs
about their use. Social Science and Medicine, 52(4), 621-633.
15. Dellarocas, C. (2003). The digitization of word of mouth: promise and challenges of
online feedback mechanisms. Management Science, 49(10), 14-24.
16. Echtner, C. M., & Ritchie, J. R. B. (1991). The meaning and measurement of destination
image. The Journal of Tourism Studies, 2(2), 2-12.
17. Fakeye, P. C., & Crompton, J. L. (1991). Image differences between prospectives, first-
time and repeat visitors to the lower Rio Grande valley. Journal of Travel Research,
30(2), 10-16.
18. Goldenberg, J., Libai, B., * Muller, E. (2001). Talk of the network: A complex systems
look at the underlying process of word-of-mouth. Marketing Letters, 12(3), 211–223.
19. Govers, R., & Go, F. M. (2004). Projected destination image online: Website content
analysis of pictures and text. Information Technology and Tourism, 7(2), 73-89.
20. Gretzel, U., & Yoo, K. (2008). Use and impact of online travel reviews. Information and
communication technologies in tourism. New York: Springer-Verlag.
21. Hooper-Greenhill, E. (1994). The Educational Role of the Museum (2nd Ed). London:
Routledge.
22. Hsu, C. H. C., & Songshan, S. H. (2010). Formation of Tourist Behavioral Intention and
Actual Behavior. International Conference Service Systems and Service Management
(ICSSSM).
23. Ishida, K., Lisa, S., & Katia, S. (2016). The Effects of Traditional and Electronic Word-of-
Mouth on Destination Image: A Case of Vacation Tourists Visiting Branson, Missouri.
Administrative Science, 6(4), 1-17.
24. Jalilvand, M. R., Neda, S., Behrooz, D., & Parisa, Y. M. (2012). Examining the structural
relationships of electronic word of mouth, destination image, tourist attitude toward
destination and travel intention: An integrated approach. Journal of Destination Marketing
& Management, 1(1-2), 134–143.
25. Jalilvand, M. R., Abolghasem, E., & Neda, S. (2013). Electronic Word of Mouth Effects on
Tourist‟s Attitudes Toward Islamic Destinations and Travel Intention: an Empirical Study
in Iran. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 81, 484 – 489.
26. Jalilvand, M. R., & Neda, S. (2012). The effect of electronic word of mouth on brand
image and purchase intention An empirical study in the automobile industry in Iran.
Marketing Intelligence & Planning, 30(4), 460-476.
27. Jalilvand, M. R., & Neda, S. (2012). The effect of word of mouth on inbound tourists‟
decision for traveling to Islamic destinations (the case of Isfahan as a tourist destination
in Iran). Journal of Islamic Marketing, 3(1), 2–21.
28. Lam, T., Catty, H. C., & Hsu. (2006). Predicting behavioral intention of choosing a travel
destination. Tourism Management, 27(4), 589-599.
29. Lawson, F., & Baud-Bovy, M. (1977). Tourism and Recreational Development. London:
Architectural Press.
30. Leiper, N. (1979). The framework of tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 10, 390-407.
31. Lopes, S. D. F. (2011). Destination image: origins, developments and implications.
PASOS Revista de Turismo y Ptrimonio Cultural, 9(2), 305-315.
32. Magetsari, N. (2008). Filsafat Museologi. Museografia, II(2), 5-15
33. Mohamad, M., Nur, I. A. G., Mustafa, M., & Ibrahim, M. 2014. Satisfaction as a Mediator
to the Relationships Between Destination Image and Loyalty. World Applied Sciences
Journal, 30(9), 1113-1123.
34. Mridula, D. (2009). Online destination image of India: A consumer based perspective.
International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 21(2), 226-232.
56
Eurasia: Economics & Business, 1(19), January 2019
DOI https://doi.org/10.18551/econeurasia.2019-01
57