Is the projected landscape also perceived? A proposed research plan on Etna Park's conflicting destination image

A significant disparity exists between the projected destination image of Etna Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Regional Nature Park since 1987, and the actual perception held by tourists. This 'conflict landscape' poses challenges for effective destination promotion, particularly in the era of social media dominance, where electronic word-of-mouth content heavily influences travel decisions. The study employs a web/social media analysis strategy to examine tourists' feedback on Etna Park's naturalistic pathways, aiming to identify policy differences among stakeholders such as residents and Local Action Groups. Preliminary findings highlight disagreements across various viewpoints, which will inform future research aimed at fostering a positive relationship between nature-based tourism and the park's resilience. The goal is to recommend a coherent place storytelling that aligns projected and perceived images.

Malvica, S., Nicosia, E., & Porto, C. M. (2023). Is the projected landscape also perceived? A proposed research plan on Etna Park’s conflicting destination image. AIMS Geosciences, 9(4), 783–797. https://doi.org/10.3934/geosci.2023042