1. Game of Thrones and Destination Authenticity : a Comparative Analysis of DMO Social Media PracticesHava Hodžić, Tina Šegota, Marjetka Rangus, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Instagram is a key visual social media platform that enables tourism organisations to showcase destinations. Understanding how destination image is constructed on social media and how the destination’s identity and authenticity are promoted is crucial for effective destination marketing strategies. However, promotional practices might vary among tourism organisations, i.e. local, regional, and national, potentially creating different identities and authenticity. With Dubrovnik gaining worldwide attention through the popular TV series Game of Thrones, the study examines the strategies employed by national and local tourism organisations in the city’s social media promotion. Using a summative approach, we conducted a content analysis of 1,034 photographs posted between 2016 and 2020 on the official Instagram profiles of national and local tourism organisations. Findings reveal that Dubrovnik’s relationship with Game of Thrones is highly leveraged at the national level, constructing a fabricated sense of authenticity. However, the social media communication by the local tourism organisation emphasises heritage and nature, thereby safeguarding its authenticity. This discrepancy underscores distinct communication strategies and highlights the importance of understanding these differences for effective destination marketing.
Keywords: film tourism, social media, destination image, authenticity, Game of Thrones
Published in RUP: 21.07.2026; Views: 137; Downloads: 7
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2. The effect of destination image towards memorable tourism experience and revisit intention in Sarawak, MalaysiaKathy Kueh Yung Sing, Abang Azlan Mohamad, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: The tourism sector has been a major contributor in many nations around the world, especially from the economic perspective. However, Sarawak has fallen behind in terms of development and political stability. This study attempts to ascertain how destination image affects tourists’ memorable tourism experience and revisit intention based on their thoughts and opinions. Survey data was collected from 200 tourists who visited the top 5 attractions in Sarawak. WarpPLS 8.0 was utilised to analyse the proposed relationship among the present variables. The results revealed that culture, history and art, as well as political and economic factors of destination image, are positively related to memorable tourism experience. In addition, memorable tourism experience is positively related to revisit intention. The findings revealed that enhancing the destination image of Sarawak can improve memorable tourism experience for both domestic and international tourists and impact their revisit intention. The findings of this study provide an opportunity for authorities and tourism providers to concentrate on cultural preservation and the importance of political stability in Sarawak.
Keywords: destination image, memorable tourism experience, revisit intention, tourists, Sarawak
Published in RUP: 21.07.2026; Views: 154; Downloads: 5
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3. Co-Creation and Destination Image : A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis Using CiteSpaceTuyen Tran, original scientific article Abstract: Co-creation has gained increasing scholarly attention as an approach for involving tourists, residents, and stakeholders in shaping destination image. However, existing research is fragmented, lacking an integrated review of its conceptual foundations, thematic evolution, and implications. This study aims to address this gap by mapping the intellectual structure and emerging trends of co-creation and destination images. A bibliometric and thematic analysis was conducted on 72 peer-reviewed publications indexed in Scopus, using CiteSpace for co-citation and keyword co-occurrence mapping, complemented by Scopus AI for trend identification. The analysis revealed four thematic clusters: destination branding, stakeholder engagement, emotional experience, and digital interaction. Results demonstrate that co-creation operates as a multidimensional, layered process, enhancing emotional attachment, destination loyalty, and brand value, rather than a single experiential design activity. The study concludes that co-creation plays a structurally significant role in destination branding and stakeholder engagement, as demonstrated by the dominant clusters in the bibliometric and thematic analyses. By synthesising existing knowledge and identifying research gaps, this paper offers a comprehensive reference for academics and practitioners, reinforcing the relevance of co-creation in destination management.
Keywords: co-creation, destination image, bibliometric analysis, destination branding, CiteSpace
Published in RUP: 06.03.2026; Views: 444; Downloads: 30
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4. Image-based analysis of tourist destination perceptions : a deep learning and spatial–temporal study in SloveniaDejan Paliska, Aleksandra Brezovec, Gorazd Sedmak, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: In the context of fierce competition among tourist destinations and increasing difficulty of differentiation, developing a strong destination image is particularly important. A comprehensive understanding of how tourists perceive destinations through user-generated images can help destination management organizations (DMOs) design more effective marketing strategies. This is especially relevant for destinations with spatially and temporally dispersed tourism resources and strong seasonal dynamics. This paper analyses inbound tourist photographs by combining deep learning techniques with spatial analysis to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of photo scenes and shifts in scene preferences among tourists. The study focuses on three distinct types of destinations in Slovenia—urban (Ljubljana), nature-based/alpine (Bled), and coastal (Piran, Izola, Koper)—providing insights into how image-based spatial scene analysis can inform destination marketing strategies. The results reveal significant spatial and temporal heterogeneity of scenes across micro destinations. Nature-based destinations exhibit lower topic entropy and fewer topic changes per user, whereas urban destinations show higher variability, with users changing topics on average five times per day. Seasonal effects are moderate: nature-based destinations display lower topic entropy in winter and higher in autumn and spring, coastal destinations show less pronounced seasonal variation, and urban destinations show almost none. These findings provide valuable insights into the spatial and temporal distribution of tourist interests and offer practical guidance for DMOs in strategic marketing planning.
Keywords: tourist destination image, user-generated content, deep learning, spatial-temporal analysis, destination marketing strategy
Published in RUP: 18.02.2026; Views: 774; Downloads: 12
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