Integrating Text Mining into Tourism Destination Image Studies: Evidence from Zhanjiang
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jnme.202610201
Author(s)
Yunqiao Chen*,#, Wenfeng Li#
Affiliation(s)
School of Foreign Studies, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
*Corresponding Author
#Co-first Author
Abstract
Digital media have transformed the ways in which tourism destination images are constructed and communicated. Taking Zhanjiang as a case study, this paper explores the projected and perceived images of a second-tier coastal tourism city across different media platforms. Data were collected from the WeChat Official Account Zhanjiang Tourism and from user-generated content on Ctrip and Xiaohongshu (Rednote). Using KH Coder, the study applies co-occurrence network analysis to compare the thematic structures of official and social media discourses. The findings show that official media construct Zhanjiang as an integrated coastal tourism destination, while tourists’ perceived images are more experience-oriented and platform-specific. The study suggests that official destination marketing should better incorporate tourists’ experiential concerns.
Keywords
Tourism Destination Image; Coastal Tourism; Text Mining; Zhanjiang
References
[1]Wang, X. H., & Bai, K. (2018). Modern performance and local expression of Huayin Laoqiang in Shaanxi from the perspective of tourism development. Journal of Shaanxi Normal University (Natural Science Edition), 46(6), 1–9+133.
[2]Fan, M. X., & Yang, B. Q. (2023). Digital space and cultural memory: Communication and presentation of ancient Chinese poems in Douyin short videos. Hunan Social Sciences, (6), 126–134.
[3]Zhao, J. Z., & Yan, L. (2026). A study on the image of coastal tourism destinations based on grounded theory and text analysis – A case study of Penglai District, Yantai. Shanghai Energy Conservation, (1), 8–17.
[4]Chen, H. M. (2024). Research on tourism image perception and differentiation of coastal cities based on online texts [Master’s thesis]. Hainan University. https://doi.org/10.27073/d.cnki.ghadu.2024.000262.
[5]Gao, C. X., Liu, J. M., Xia, S. Y., Zhu, H., & Li, F. J. (2022). Research progress and prospect of coastal resort tourism destinations. Resources Science, 44(9), 1918–1931.
[6]Li, X. H., & Chen, X. J. (2022). Analysis of the current situation of Zhanjiang tourism publicity under the background of new media. Tourism Overview, (9), 187–190.
[7]Tian, H. L. (2012). Discourse functionality and new discourses in contemporary China. Journal of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, 23(6), 8–11+22.
[8]Cohen, E. (1988). Authenticity and commoditization in tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 15(3), 371–386.
[9]Gallarza, M. G., Saura, I. G., & García, H. C. (2002). Destination image: Towards a conceptual framework. Annals of Tourism Research, 29(1), 56–78.
[10]Stepchenkova, S., & Mills, J. E. (2010). Destination image: A meta-analysis of 2000–2007 research. Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management, 19(6), 575–609.
[11]Hunter, W. C. (2016). The social construction of tourism online destination image: A comparative semiotic analysis of the visual representation of Seoul. Tourism Management, 54, 221–229.
[12]Moreno Gil, S., Picazo Peral, P., & Korstanje, M. (2019). Research on the image of tourist accommodations, and the involving dimensions: current situation and challenges in the future.
[13]Dong, Y., & Qu, Y. (2021). A comparative study on the network mechanism of projected image of coastal destinations: An opportunity for differentiated competitive positioning – A case study of Sanya and Xiamen. Tourism Science, 35(5), 43–61.
[14]Liu, X. L., & Wang, M. (2021). A comparative study on the projected image and perceived image of Weizhou Island tourism destination. Transactions of Oceanology and Limnology, 1–11.
[15]Wang, D. L. (2021). Research on the construction of destination image by tourism experience sharing from the perspective of media change. Social Scientist, (2), 71–76.
[16]Stepchenkova, S., & Morrison, A. M. (2006). The destination image of Russia: From the online induced perspective. Tourism Management, 27(5), 943–956.
[17]Feng, J. Y. (2011). Perception of Beijing's tourism destination image: A multidimensional discourse analysis of Chinese and Western tourists' blogs. Tourism Tribune, 26(9), 19–28.
[18]Lu, W., & Stepchenkova, S. (2015). User-generated content as a research mode in tourism and hospitality applications: Topics, methods, and software. Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management, 24(2), 119–154.
[19]Feng, Q., Tian, Y. J., & Sun, G. N. (2018). A study on the perception of Shaanxi tourism destination image based on online travel notes: Taking eight 5A-level scenic spots in Shaanxi Province as examples. Resource Development & Market, 34(11), 1623–1628.
[20]Xiao, L., Li, G. S., & Liu, Y. (2023). Research on the resilient development of sports-tourism integration in western China — Based on text analysis of tourism destination image perception in Guilin// Chinese Society of Sports Science. Proceedings of the 14th National Sports Science Congress Academic Achievements — Poster Session (Sports Industry Branch). Guilin: Guangxi Normal University, pp. 435–443. DOI: cnkh0584657.
[21]Zang, Z., Fu, H., Cheng, J., et al. (2025). Digital threads of architectural heritage: navigating tourism destination image through social media reviews and machine learning insights. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, 24(5), 4452–4469. https://doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2024.2399681.
[22]Liao, Q. Q., Cheng, Y. Q., Fei, X. Y., et al. (2024). Research on coastal tourism attractiveness based on tourists’ perception: A case study of Sanya city. Tourism Science, 38(12), 93–110. https://doi.org/10.16323/j.cnki.lykx.2024.12.005.