The results clearly highlight the challenge facing the destination in what is a crowded and
competitive market. Branding underpins all marketing communications, and all short term
marketing initiatives should focus on developing favourable brand salience and brand
associations in the long term (Keller, 1993). Linking the brand’s attributes to consumer needs
will lead to enhanced brand resonance. Successful delivery of the brand promise at the
destination may lead to increased brand loyalty, particularly in the short break drive market
where consumers have favourite places to which they make repeat visits. Repeating the CBBE
research again at a future point in time will enable a continued assessment of success for each
of the destination’s three brand objectives. For an emerging destination with very little formal
market research, it is suggested the hierarchy provides an important means of accountability
to stakeholders.