Travel visa impacts on destination choice and perception

Abstract

Purpose

This aim of this research was to discern the impacts that the visa application process has on destination perception and choice. Visas are used to respect border integrity, minimize illegal migration and reciprocate international relations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research surveyed a sample of the Dubai resident population, targeting individuals who have previously been required to apply for travel visas.

Findings

The outcomes of the research revealed that while visa application procedures were felt to be a “necessary bother”, certain factors such as: visa processing times and fees left participants with a negative perception of the destination, especially for travellers motivated by travel budgets, flight prices and visiting family and friends at the destination.

Research limitations/implications

With available technology and the benefits of visa facilitation: cost savings, increasing tourism revenue and creating loyalty with legitimate visitors, today's nations have no excuse for not developing their policies and procedures in line with modern methods.

Originality/value

For the first time, a measure of the impacts that visa application policies have on traveller destination perception and choice was assessed.

Citation

Duerrmeier Rizzi, M. (2014), "Travel visa impacts on destination choice and perception", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 6 No. 4, pp. 305-316. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-01-2014-0001