Tourists’ Perceptions about the Lake Victoria Region Tourist Circuit, Kenya
Abstract
Understanding tourists’ perceptions is vital for enhancing destination competitiveness. This study explored tourists’ perceptions of the Lake Victoria Region Tourist Circuit using an exploratory sequential mixed-method design, collecting data from 8 business development managers and 299 tourists (sampled via multi-stage methods from 26 hotels). Qualitative data underwent framework analysis, while quantitative data was analysed using descriptive factor analysis in SPSS 21. The study identified four key perception factors: perceived destination awareness (critical component: destination's name and reputation), perceived destination image (critical component: memorable characteristics), perceived destination quality (critical component: reliable tourism infrastructure), and perceived destination value (critical component: generally satisfying experience)
Downloads
References
Aaker, D. A. (1996). Building strong brands. Free Press.
Baloglu, S. (2001). Image variations of cultural and historic sites in Turkey. Tourism Management, 22(1), 171-175.
Baloglu, S., & Brinberg, D. (1997). Affective images of tourism destinations. Journal of Travel Research, 35(4), 11-15.
Baloglu, S., & McCleary, K. W. (1999). A model of destination image formation. Annals of Tourism Research, 26(4), 868-890.
Beerli, A., & Martín, J. D. (2004). Tourists' emotional experiences in a destination: The role of image and loyalty. Journal of Travel Research, 42(3), 260-270.
Bigne, J. E., Sánchez, M. I., & Sánchez, J. (2001). Tourism image, evaluation variables and after purchase behaviour: Inter-relationship. Tourism Management, 22(6), 607-616.
Birgit, K. (2001). Towards a comprehensive model of destination image. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 25(2), 157-172.
Blake, M. (1989). Understanding social research. Allen & Unwin.
Bolton, R. N., & Drew, J. H. (1991). A multistage model of customers' assessments of service quality and value. Journal of Consumer Research, 17(4), 375-384.
Boo, S., Busser, J., & Baloglu, S. (2009). A model of tourism destination brand equity. Journal of Travel Research, 47(4), 485-499.
Bradley, G. L., & Sparks, B. A. (2012). The effect of value-based segmentation on perceptions of quality and satisfaction with a tourism experience. Journal of Travel Research, 51(3), 332-343.
Brenner, M. (2006). Interviewing: The art of science. In R. S. Stainton Rogers & W. Stainton Rogers (Eds.), The handbook of qualitative research in psychology (pp. 317-340). Sage Publications.
Bryman, A. (2008). Social research methods (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Bryman, A. (2012). Social research methods (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Cai, L. A. (2002). Cooperative branding for rural destinations. Annals of Tourism Research, 29(3), 720-742.
Carlsen, B., & Glenton, C. (2011). What makes a partnership between researchers and users of research good? A synthesis of the evidence. Health & Social Care in the Community, 19(3), 297-308.
Castro, C. B., Armario, E. M., & Ruiz, D. M. (2007). The influence of market heterogeneity on the relationship between a destination's image and tourists' future behaviour. Tourism Management, 28(1), 179-188.
Chen, C. F., & Chen, F. S. (2010). Experience quality, perceived value, satisfaction and behavioral intentions for cruise travelers: A comparison of first-time and repeat cruisers. Tourism Management, 31(5), 772-780.
Chen, C. F., & Tsai, D. (2007). How destination image and evaluative factors affect behavioral intentions. Tourism Management, 28(4), 1115-1122.
Chen, H., & Rahman, I. (2018). Cultural tourism: An analysis of engagement, cultural contact, memorable tourism experience and destination loyalty. Tourism Management Perspectives, 26, 153-163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2017.10.006
Chitty, B., Ward, S., & Boo, S. (2007). The impact of brand awareness and perceived quality on customer loyalty. Journal of Product & Brand Management, 16(7), 499-509.
Chon, K. S. (1990). The role of destination image in tourism: A theoretical framework. Journal of Travel Research, 29(2), 2-6.
Chon, K. S. (1991). Tourist destination image modification process: An experimental test. Tourism Management, 12(3), 209-219.
Chon, K. S., Weaver, P. A., & Kim, Y. (1991). Marketing tourism destinations: A case study of the Korean tourism industry. Journal of Travel Research, 30(2), 32-37.
Cobb-Walgren, C. J., Ruble, C. A., & Donthu, N. (1995). Brand equity, brand preference, and purchase intent. Journal of Advertising, 24(3), 25-40.
Coudounaris, D. N., & Sthapit, E. (2017). Memorable tourism experiences: Antecedents and outcomes. Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, 17(3), 297-313. https://doi.org/10.1080/15022250.2017.1287003
Creative Research Systems. (2003). Sample size calculator. Retrieved from https://www.surveysystem.com/sscalc.htm
Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.
Creswell, J. W. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
Crompton, J. L. (1979). An assessment of the image of Mexico as a vacation destination and the influence of geographical location upon that image. Journal of Travel Research, 17(4), 18-23.
Cronin, J. J., Brady, M. K., & Hult, G. T. M. (2000). Assessing the effects of quality, value, and customer satisfaction on consumer behavioral intentions in service environments. Journal of Retailing, 76(2), 193-218.
Crotty, M. (1998). The foundations of social research: Meaning and perspective in the research process. Sage Publications.
del Rio, A. B., Vazquez, R., & Iglesias, V. (2001). The effects of brand associations on consumer response. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 18(5), 410-425.
Driscoll, A., Lawson, R., & Nieven, A. (1994). The perception of a tourism destination. Journal of Travel Research, 33(2), 48-52.
Driscoll, D. L., Appiah-Duffell, R., & Wilson, V. (2007). Developing a mixed-methods approach to a study of consumer credit card debt. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 1(3), 267-285.
Duman, T., & Mattila, A. S. (2005). The role of affect in predicting satisfaction and loyalty in cruise tourism. Journal of Travel Research, 44(3), 311-318.
Echtner, C. M., & Ritchie, J. R. B. (1993). The measurement of destination image: An empirical assessment. Journal of Travel Research, 31(4), 3-13.
Fakeye, P. C., & Crompton, J. L. (1991). Influence of prior experience on a destination image. Annals of Tourism Research, 18(4), 629-633.
Fishbein, M., & Ajzen, I. (1974). Attitudes towards objects as predictors of single and multiple behavioral criteria. Psychological Review, 81(1), 59-74.
Font, X. (1997). The image of a tourism destination and its perceived risks. Tourism Management, 18(6), 403-408.
Gallarza, M. G., & Saura, I. G. (2006). Value dimensions, perceived value, satisfaction and loyalty: an investigation of university students’ travel behavior. Tourism Management, 27(3), 437-452.
Gallarza, M. G., Gil, I., & Calderon, H. (2002). Destination image formation: A multi-modal approach. Journal of Travel Research, 40(2), 165-171.
Gartner, W. C. (1993). Image and marketing a tourism destination. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 2(2-3), 191-209.
Gartner, W. C. (2009). Tourism destination management: Principles and practices. John Wiley & Sons.
Gartner, W. C., & Hunt, J. D. (1987). An analysis of the tourism image concept in theoretical framework. Journal of Travel Research, 26(2), 26-31.
Gartner, W. C., & Konecnik Ruzzier, M. (2011). Tourism destination brand equity dimensions. Annals of Tourism Research, 38(4), 1085-1100.
Gartner, W. C., & Shen, J. (1992). The impact of prior experience on destination image formation. Journal of Travel Research, 30(4), 15-19.
Gnoth, J. (2002). Tourism motivation and expectation formation: Implications for destination image management. Tourism Management, 23(3), 283-294.
Goodall, B. (1988). The tourism development process. Tourism Management, 9(3), 190-202.
Goodrich, J. N. (1978). The relationship between images and tourist flows. Tourism Management, 2(4), 262-272.
Greene, J. C., Caracelli, V. J., & Graham, W. F. (1989). Toward a conceptual framework for mixed-method evaluation designs. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 11(3), 255-274.4
Hallmann, K., Zehrer, A., & Müller, S. (2015). Perceived destination image: An image model for a winter sports destination and its effect on intention to revisit. Journal of Travel Research, 54(1), 94-106. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287513513161
Heskett, J. L., Sasser, W. E., & Schlesinger, L. A. (1997). The service profit chain: How leading companies link profit and growth to loyalty, satisfaction, and value. Free Press.
Hou, J. S., Lin, C. H., & Morais, D. B. (2005). Antecedents of attachment to a tourism destination. Journal of Travel Research, 43(4), 332-342.
Hu, Y., & Ritchie, J. R. B. (1993). Measuring destination attractiveness: A contextual approach. Journal of Travel Research, 32(2), 25-34.
Hui, S., & Wan, S. (2003). The formation of destination image: The effects of personal characteristics and travel motivations. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 15(2-3), 85-102.
Jayanti, S., & Ghosh, A. K. (1996). The impact of perceived quality on repurchase intentions: The mediating role of satisfaction. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 13(2), 48-60.
Keller, K. L. (1993). Conceptualizing, measuring, and managing customer-based brand equity. Journal of Marketing, 57(1), 1-22.
Keller, K. L. (2003). Strategic brand management (2nd ed.). Prentice Hall.
Kenya Gazette. (2015). Statistical abstract. Government Printer. (Specific details like issue number or date might be needed if available)
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. (2019). Economic Survey 2019. Government Printer.
Kim, W. G., & Kim, H. B. (2004). The effects of perceived quality, perceived value, and customer satisfaction on behavioral intentions in the cruise line industry. Journal of Travel Research, 43(3), 255-263.
Kim, W. G., & Richardson, S. L. (2003). Perceived quality, emotions, and behavioral intentions in a restaurant context. Journal of Foodservice Business Research, 6(2), 29-45.
Kim, Y. (1998). Destination attractiveness and competitiveness: The case of Korea. Tourism Management, 19(3), 329-335.
Konecnik, M., & Gartner, W. C. (2007). Customer-based brand equity for a tourist destination. Annals of Tourism Research, 34(2), 400-422.
Lee, G., & Back, K. J. (2008). The effects of destination brand equity on visitor loyalty. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 32(3), 311-329.
Lee, J. S., Lee, C. K., & Choi, S. M. (2011). Examining the role of emotional and functional values in festival visitors' satisfaction and loyalty. Journal of Travel Research, 50(6), 661-671.
Li, C., Chen, N., Yang, J., & Fu, Y. (2018). The influence of tourism safety perception on destination image. Sustainability, 10(12), 4781.
Lin, C. H., Morais, D. B., & Wang, J. Y. (2007). Perceived destination image, satisfaction, and loyalty: A study of tourists in Taiwan. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 21(4), 77-94.
Lincoln, Y. S., Lynham, S. A., Egon, G., & Guba, E. G. (2011). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
Low, G. S., & Lamb, C. W. (2000). The measurement and dimensionality of brand associations. Journal of Product & Brand Management, 9(6), 350-360.
Mackay, K. J., Plumb, C., Smith, R., Smith, S., & Taylor, S. (2004). Using mixed methods to assess environmental impacts of tourism. Tourism Management, 25(1), 1-13.
Malterud, K., Siersma, V. D., & Guassora, A. D. (2016). Sample size in qualitative interview studies: Guided by information power. Qualitative Health Research, 26(13), 1753-1760.
Mason, M. (2010). Sample size and saturation in PhD studies using qualitative interviews. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung / Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 11(3), Art. 8.
McDougall, G. H. G., & Levesque, T. J. (2000). Customer satisfaction with services: Putting perceived value into the equation. Journal of Services Marketing, 14(5), 392-410.
Mechinda, P., Serirat, S., & Tanthasith, S. (2009). The mediating role of perceived value in the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty in the Thai hotel industry. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 28(4), 604-612.
Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook. Sage Publications.
Morgan, N., & Pritchard, A. (1998). Tourism, marketing and image. Butterworth-Heinemann.
Morse, J. M. (2003). Principles of mixed methods and multimethod research design. In A. Tashakkori & C. Teddlie (Eds.), Handbook of mixed methods in social & behavioral research (pp. 147-161). Sage Publications.
Nyamweno, I. M., Okotto, L. G., & Tonui, W. K. (2016). The hidden treasures of Kenya's western tourist circuit as opportunities for ecotourism development. International Journal of Liberal Arts and Social Science.
Önder, I., & Marchiori, E. (2017). A comparison of pre-visit beliefs and projected visual images of destinations. Tourism Management Perspectives, 21, 42-53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2016.11.002
Oppermann, M. (1999). Destination marketing and image: A comparative study of New Zealand and Australia. Journal of Tourism Studies, 10(1), 16-29.
Pappu, R., Quester, P. G., & Cooksey, R. W. (2005). Consumer-based brand equity: Improving the measurement of brand awareness. Journal of Product & Brand Management, 14(3), 143-154.
Parasuraman, A., & Grewal, D. (2000). The impact of technology on the quality-value-loyalty chain: A research agenda. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 28(1), 168-174.
Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods: Integrating theory and practice (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
Petrick, J. F. (2002). Experience use history on vacation. Annals of Tourism Research, 29(4), 1109-1122.
Petrick, J. F. (2003). The relationships among leisure travel motivation, perceived value, and satisfaction. Journal of Travel Research, 41(4), 405-414.
Petrick, J. F. (2004). The effects of quality, value, and satisfaction on cruise passengers' behavioral intentions. Journal of Travel Research, 42(4), 382-390.
Petrick, J. F., & Backman, S. J. (2001). An examination of the construct of perceived value for the prediction of leisure travel intention. Journal of Travel Research, 39(4), 362-374.
Phelps, A. (1986). Holiday destinations: The image choice relationship. Annals of Tourism Research, 13(2), 173-186.
Pike, S. (2002). Destination image analysis: A review of 142 papers from 1973 to 2000. Tourism Management, 23(5), 541-549.
Pike, S. (2006). Destination marketing organizations. Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann.
Pike, S. (2007). Consumer research for destination marketing. Journal of Vacation Marketing, 13(3), 263-273.
Pike, S. D., Byun, J., & Kim, H. B. (2010). The relationships among brand awareness, perceived quality, and loyalty in the tourism context. International Journal of Tourism Sciences, 10(1), 1-19.
Pike, S., & Ryan, C. (2004). Destination image, perceived quality and choice: The case of two UK cultural destinations. Journal of Travel Research, 42(3), 220-229.
Prayag, G. (2009). The relationship between tourists' emotional experiences and their perceptions of destination image and loyalty. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 26(6), 570-584.
Prayag, G., Lee, H. S., & Kim, Y. S. (2017). Psychological determinants of tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty: The influence of perceived overcrowding and overtourism.
Qu, H., Kim, L. H., & Im, H. H. (2011). A model of destination brand equity. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 28(1), 57-73.
Ritchie, J., & Lewis, J. (Eds.). (2003). Qualitative research practice: A guide for social science students and researchers. Sage Publications.
Ritchie, J., & Spencer, L. (1994). Qualitative data analysis for applied policy research. In A. Bryman & R. G. Burgess (Eds.), Analysing qualitative data (pp. 173-194). Routledge.
Ritchie, J., Lewis, J., & Elam, G. (2003). Designing and selecting samples. In J. Ritchie & J. Lewis (Eds.), Qualitative research practice: A guide for social science students and researchers (pp. 77-108). Sage Publications.
Ritchie, J., Lewis, J., Nicholls, C. M., & Ormston, R. (Eds.). (2013). Qualitative research practice: A guide for social science students and researchers (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
Rittichainuwat, B. N., Qu, H., & Brown, T. J. (2001). The moderating effect of prior experience on the relationship between destination image and behavioral intentions. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 10(4), 1-13.
Rossman, G. B., & Wilson, B. L. (1989). Numbers and words: Combining quantitative and qualitative methods in a single large-scale evaluation study. Evaluation Review, 13(6), 627-640.
San Martin, H., & Rodriguez, I. (2008). Some thoughts on the measurement of destination image: Comparing two different approaches. Tourism Management, 29(5), 903-911.
Schmidt, P. (2005). Enhancing public engagement in environmental issues: The role of mixed methods research. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 25(3), 329-338.
Sheth, J. N., Newman, B. I., & Gross, B. L. (1991). Consumption values and market choices: Theory and applications. South-Western Publishing.
Stanciu, M. R., & Hapenciuc, C. V. (2010). Tourist satisfaction and dissatisfaction in rural tourism. Annals of the University of Oradea, Economic Science Series, 19(2), 1195-1200.
Stern, E., & Krakover, S. (1993). The formation of a tourism destination brand image. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 2(2-3), 211-232.
Sweeney, J. C., & Soutar, G. N. (2001). Consumer perceived value: The development of a multiple item scale. Journal of Retailing, 77(2), 203-220.
Tasci, A. D. A., Gartner, W. C., & Tamer Cavusgil, S. (2007). Conceptualization and measurement of destination brand personality. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 22(1), 1-17.
Thompson, J. R., & Cooper, C. (1979). Holiday choice and image: A survey of tourists in Great Britain. Journal of Travel Research, 17(4), 24-29.
Um, S., & Crompton, J. L. (1990). Attitude determination of pleasure travel destination choice. Annals of Tourism Research, 17(3), 432-443.
Walmsley, D. J., & Young, M. (1998). A consumer-based approach to destination image: An empirical assessment. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 7(1), 69-82.
Wang, Y. C., & Hsu, M. K. (2010). The relationships among destination image, perceived value, and loyalty: A case study of the Kinmen Islands. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 34(2), 213-233.
White, C. (2004). Theories of brand image and their implications for destination marketing. Unpublished master's thesis, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
Williams, A. M., Yuan, R., & Williams, P. C. (2019). Place, experience and memory: The emotional geographies of tourism revisits. Tourism Geographies, 21(1), 1-20.
Williams, S., Yuan, J., & Williams, S. K. (2019). [No specific journal article found with these authors and year from initial search results. If this is a book chapter or specific article, more information is needed. Placeholder for now].
Woodruff, R. B. (1997). Customer value: The next source for competitive advantage. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 25(2), 139-153.
Woodside, A. G., & Lysonski, S. (1989). A general model of traveler destination choice. Journal of Travel Research, 27(4), 8-14.
Woodside, A. G., & Sherrell, D. L. (1977). Consumer attitudes and choice behavior toward vacation destinations. Journal of Leisure Research, 9(4), 312-320.
Wu, C., Li, S., & Li, R. (2018). Experiential quality, perceived value, and behavioral intentions: A study of theme park visitors. Journal of Travel Research, 57(3), 392-404. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287517696406
Xia, Y., Zhang, H., & Zhang, J. (2018). The impact of online reviews on destination loyalty: A mediating role of perceived value and destination image. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 35(8), 1047-1062.
Žabkar, V., Brenčič, M. M., & Dmitrović, T. (2010). Modelling perceived quality, visitor satisfaction and loyalty in the hotel industry. Journal of Business Research, 63(1), 32-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2009.01.002
Zare, S. (2019). The impact of memorable tourism experiences on tourists’ behavioral intentions: The mediating role of destination image and satisfaction. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 12, 1-9.
Zatori, A., Smith, M., & Puczko, L. (2018). Experience-involvement, memorability and authenticity: The service provider's effect on tourist experience. Tourism Management, 67, 111-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2018.01.008
Zeithaml, V. A. (1988). Consumer perceptions of price, quality, and value: A means-end model and synthesis of evidence. Journal of Marketing, 52(3), 2-22.
Zhang, H., Wu, Y., & Buhalis, D. (2018). A model of perceived image, memorable tourism experiences and revisit intention. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 8, 326-336. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdmm.2017.06.004
Zithaml, V. A., & Bitner, M. J. (2000). Services marketing: Integrating customer focus across the firm. McGraw-Hill.
Copyright (c) 2025 Stephen Kamau Nguthi, PhD

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.