Exploring the influence of eWOM on destination attributes, coolness, image, trust and visit intentions: A case study of Golf tourism in Antalya

The study aims to explore the influence of eWOM on Destination Attributes, Coolness, Image, Trust and Visit intention in case of Golf tourism in Antalya. Sports tourism and especially golf tourism emerge as an important area in our country. Convenience sampling was used to obtain data from 205 golf player who came to Regnum Carya hotel which is one of the biggest hotel in Belek, Antalya with two golf courses (Carya and National golf club). The data was analyzed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach. The study findings show that there are direct and positive relationship between eWOM and Destination Attributes, Destination Coolness, Destination Image and Destination Trust. Furthermore, it was shown that there is positive and significant relationship between Destination Coolness and Visit Intention but there are negative relationship between Destination Trust, Destination Attributes, Destination Image with Visit intention. In this way, the findings informed destination managers interested in Golf Tourism about the dynamics and benefits of eWOM. Implications for theory and practices are prescribed.