Exploring city image: residents’ versus tourists’ perceptions

A comparative analysis of city image perceptions between residents and tourists in Verona, Italy, reveals striking similarities in their views on services, leisure, security, and entertainment. The only notable divergence lies in municipal facilities, where residents exhibit greater criticism than tourists. This study, conducted through questionnaires addressing four dimensions of city image, addresses a significant gap in the literature by comparing perceptions in a medium-sized destination—a rarity in urban studies. It also enhances a previously used scale to include both resident and tourist perspectives, providing a robust tool for future research. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and destination management organizations, highlighting Verona's strengths while identifying areas for improvement.

Cassia, F., Vigolo, V., Ugolini, M. M., & Baratta, R. (2018). Exploring city image: residents’ versus tourists’ perceptions. The TQM Journal, 30(5), 476–489. https://doi.org/10.1108/tqm-11-2017-0161