A qualitative and quantitative assessment of Hong Kong’s image as a tourist destination

Abstract The present study uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches as developed by Echtner and Ritchie 1991, Journal of Tourism Studies 2(2), 2–12, to investigate the image of Hong Kong. A sample of 142 tourists were collected at the Kai Tak Airport departure hall in April 1996. In addition to a set of pre-developed statements, respondents were asked to describe the unique aspects of Hong Kong, in their own words. The findings indicated that Hong Kong was considered as a ‘shopping paradise’ by most respondents. Its weakness, however, was the crowded, busy and stressful urban environment. Among other attractions, the Peak and the Star Ferry were considered as the landmarks of Hong Kong.