The Influence of Stereotypes and Host–Tourist Interactions on Post-travel Destination Image and Evaluations of Residents

In recent years, media coverage reporting or reflecting stereotypes from Chinese tourists towards other national groups has drawn widespread attention. Yet limited research has been conducted to explore the connections between the concepts of Chinese tourists’ stereotypes, host–tourist interactions (HTIs) and destination image. To address this gap, the objective of this study is to investigate the influence of Chinese tourists’ pre-travel stereotypes of local residents and their on-site HTIs on post-travel evaluations of locals and destination image. In-depth interviews with Chinese tourists to overseas destinations were conducted, and a sequential model is presented to illustrate how tourists could make comparisons between their pre-travel stereotypes and experienced HTIs to generate post-trip evaluations.