کد مقاله | کد نشریه | سال انتشار | مقاله انگلیسی | نسخه تمام متن |
---|---|---|---|---|
1013638 | 1482662 | 2015 | 12 صفحه PDF | دانلود رایگان |
• Study examines media coverage following the 2005 disappearance of Natalee Holloway in Aruba.
• Content analysis reveals the framing of negative Aruban sentiment by the media.
• Findings indicate prolonged negative media coverage is a significant and negative predictor of tourist arrivals in Aruba.
• Includes policy suggestions for tourism authorities faced with prolonged negative media coverage.
• Conceptualizes a Dynamic Media-Tourism Consumer Social Framework.
The results of a mixed method study conducted on media coverage in the aftermath of the 2005 disappearance of Natalee Holloway in Aruba confirmed the hypothesis that prolonged negative media coverage was responsible, at least in part, for the decline in U.S. tourist arrivals to Aruba, which began in 2006. Prior to 2006, Americans accounted for approximately 73% of tourism demand in Aruba and current statistics indicate the percentage has dropped to 58%. Protracted media storms, which often follow a crime or murder, can be devastating to countries that rely on tourism as the largest economic driver. Americans were heavily exposed to the Natalee Holloway case by far reaching cable and network news channels which, combined, covered the story more than 950 times during the first six months of coverage. The content analysis revealed the framing of negative Aruban sentiment by the media. The often contentious relationship between the media and foreign justice systems spurred by allegations of police misconduct and the shrouding of Aruban culture in mystery characterized much of the news content. A least squares regression revealed that prolonged negative media coverage impacted the decline in U.S. tourist arrivals to Aruba. Previous studies have noted that risk perception and fear of crime plays a role in the tourist travel decision. This study proposes an additional factor; the American public's outrage at Aruba's inability and perceived unwillingness to bring the prime suspect to justice. Implications of the study are that in the aftermath of a serious crime against a tourist recovery is possible; however destinations should have a plan in place for dealing with the home country's media and make regular attempts to communicate openly to avoid negative coverage.
Journal: Tourism Management Perspectives - Volume 16, October 2015, Pages 266–277