Question

Topic: Student Questions

Dissertation Topic For Destination Branding...

Posted by Anonymous on 10/20/2007 at 2:01 PM ET 250 Points
Hello,
I am searching for inspiration for my dissertation topic. I am an undergraduate studying tourism management and would love to write my dissertation in the field of destination marketing, especially destination branding but am uncertain about my exact aim. As I am a german citizen, I thought about writing about branding related to Germany, and as I am currently studying in the UK it would be best to take UK residents as my primary research target group. I was thinking about something like 'the impact of spotlight events on destination branding - the effects of the World Cup 2006 on the image of Germany as a tourist destination '... There already is plenty of research, so I am not too sure if this topic is still contemporary... If anyone would have suggestions how to further specify the topic, or the objectives, or maybe have a suggestion for a different topic in this area I would be more than glad!

Thanks a lot, Johanna
To continue reading this question and the solution, sign up ... it's free!
SUBSCRIBE
Or, SIGN IN

RESPONSES

  • Posted by ilan on 10/20/2007 at 2:12 PM Accepted
    Trying to write about two European destinations, with so much in common, is not going to be an interesting subject.
    Try to think of something that will take more effort, creativity and imagination.
    Since you are German, why don't you work on getting German tourists and business travelers to a place like China?
    There are much more possibilities, surprises and opportunities to write about.
    Germany and China are very good trade partners, but I'm not sure that China has become a major travel destination to the man in the street in Germany.
    Give it a chance.
    If you don't like this solution, try at least to stick to the formula of finding two very different places, like Germany and Brazil, Germany and New Zeeland etc.
  • Posted by ilan on 10/21/2007 at 9:40 AM Member
    By the way, if you want to focus on the effects of a major international sports event, take the Olympic Games in Barcelona in 1992.
    I know they had put that city on the map in a big way.
    There are other examples of course, and I don't know how they have affected the German audiences specifically, but they did influence European travel habits.
  • Posted on 10/23/2007 at 2:11 PM Member
    Hi johanna,

    These are few insights I would like to give You from my project experiences in regarding to destination branding.

    1.) when you say destination branding it involves two countries i.e. one for which the brand building is "for" and the other which is "targeted" by this brand building exercise.

    2.) destination branding involves not only tourism (though its a strong component) i.e. it is one of the factors but it includes trade partnerships between the countries as well as cultural exchanges. ( for example japanese are one of the largest tourists to US due to obvious reasons of their trade partnership). so You might want to check inflow and outflow of tourists from say Germany to UK and Germany to India to set forth Your viable options.

    3.) It would be far more easier if u as a researcher have an first hand experience of the culture of the countries involved. ( for say if u have experienced the social life in UK its far more easier to comprehend your research findings on social norms of this country). I know at this level u might be battling with your objectives and aims ( both truly being confusing at the same time).

    4.) You might get some good cues from the book called " creative class" from Richard Florida. its a good pointer towards how some countries and cities in particular are performing better which could help you identify the citites within the destination country as to charachters which make them appealing to visitors and businesses alike.

    Hope this Helps.

BACK TO TOP

Post a Comment

Related Discussions

Community Info

Top 25 Experts
(Student Questions)