A framework of place branding, place image, and place reputation: antecedents and moderators

Purpose – This paper develops a framework that links the concepts of place branding, place image, and place reputation. Focusing on the antecedents and outcomes of place branding in the context of an emerging country, namely Iran, the model further examines critical moderation variables.
Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach was undertaken, comprising face-to-face in-depth interviews with fifteen respondents, involved in communicating about their country for various purposes such as encouraging tourism, promoting exports, and attracting investments. Based on analysis of the qualitative data, a comprehensive framework for place branding was formulated.
Findings – Findings indicate that the key indicators of identifying a place brand come under two headings, namely national culture (country’s name, country’s brand, country attributes, social changes, geography and environment, people, culture (history, language, etc.), and infrastructure (security, economic condition, technological advancement, tourism development goals, place marketing and promotional strategy), which influences on the favorability of place branding. In addition, five main moderators of the outcomes of place branding were identified, namely, political perception, social media and news, place awareness, place association, and tourism experience.
Practical implications – Effective place branding could help a country attract tourists, visitors, traders, and investors. Place branding should be considered a constructive tool that can be successfully applied to managing a country’s image.
Originality/value – Place branding has received little attention in the context of emerging markets. This is the first known study undertaken with a view to understand and develop a place branding model that links with place image and place reputation in an emerging country. The study identifies twelve antecedents of place branding and five important moderators. Findings will help policy makers, country brand managers, and communication professionals more generally who deal with a country’s image and reputation and those involved in improving the tourism industry in Iran.

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Permission has been granted for this version to appear here. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Special Issue: Place Brand Management: Strategic Marketing of Cities, Regions and Nations Editor(s): T C Melewar , Charles Dennis and Chiara Mauri