Theoretical Basis for the Formation of Tourist Destination’s Mental Image: a Suggested Model for Forming a Positive Mental Image of the Algerian Destination in Light of the Master Plan of Tourism Development in 2030

Abstract

The positive mental image of a tourist destination is one of the most important factors contributing to the success of tourism marketing strategies, as it affects the travel decision-making process along with the tourist’s behavior in all its stages. This concept covers many dimensions in terms of building the mental image and the factors affecting its formation. The aim of this
study is to attempt to suggest a model for the process of building a positive mental image of the Algerian destination. This study
falls within the field of descriptive qualitative studies and it is based on many studies and theoretical and field researches whose timeframe extends from 1965 to 2019. The study concluded that the process of building a positive mental image of the Algerian destination is based, in its early stages, on activating the initial objectives of the “2030 Master plan of Tourism Development”, and then controlling the sources of information and the factors affecting building an organic and updated mental image based on the message consistency strategy in Integrated Marketing Communications, in addition to designing a brand for the Algerian destination, in order to influence the cognitive and emotional evaluation process that occurs in the mind of the potential tourist.