After some preliminary content analyses, the authors identified
four subset attributes for each dimension. The discussion was set
around four key dimensions derived from reviewing prior research
as: (1) Destination brand/reputation; (2) Tourism attractions; (3)
Tourism infrastructure; and (4) Tourism services.
These attributes were discussed in the second focus group
discussion, and the participants agreed on the subsets of dimensions.
In the second step, a survey questionnaire was designed
to collect relevant data from international visitors about these
attributes.
The questionnaire was pre-tested using two academics in order
to insure that the survey content and measurement scales were
clear, valid and appropriate. Following modifications, a second pretest
was carried out with 30 international visitors, to make sure that
all the questions were relevant for respondents. This practice follows
previous research to ensure the scales for all the dimensions
were clearly marked and each item was critically evaluated and
verified. Finally, a few open-ended questions were added to give
“color” to the data and lead the respondents to think analytically
and critically.
After the process of refining, the authors followed the
procedure done by Ekinci and Hosany (2006) to collect the main
data. Using two different samples, the study was conducted at
four different locations: three Swiss cities (Sample 1), and two
International airports (Sample 2). For the first sample, the
retrieval hypothesis (Solomon, Bamossy, & Askegaard, 1999) was
used to capture destination evaluation for visitors of Switzerland.
Respondents were instructed to recall the last tourism destination
they had visited inside of Switzerland in the previous 3
months. This method resulted in a number of destinations being
evaluated. To participate in the survey, respondents were
approached randomly on the high street, and around shopping
complexes and train stations in Geneva and Zurich. These two
cities were chosen due to their multicultural flair and the variety