User generated content versus mainstream media influence on hot spring tourism destination image formation

Purpose This study aims to compare the influence of user-generated content and mainstream media on the formation of hot springs tourists’ cognitive and affective destination image and, secondly, how these image formations impact travellers’ satisfaction and loyalty. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 575 international tourists who visited hot spring destinations. The non-probability purposive sampling approach was used, and the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) assessment was used to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings This study found no significant differences in the roles of user-generated content and mainstream media in shaping tourists’ perceptions. User-generated content and mainstream media significantly influence cognitive and affective image formation. Tourists’ cognitive image significantly influences their satisfaction with hot springs visitation; however, affective image is an insignificant predictor of satisfaction. Ultimately, tourist satisfaction is crucial to tourists’ loyalty to hot springs destinations. Originality/value Leveraging uses and gratifications theory, this study introduces a novel framework that integrates user-generated content and mainstream media to dissect their combined impact on destination image formation. It highlights the theoretical understanding of media consumption and provides groundbreaking insights into optimising tourism strategies and fostering enduring destination loyalty.