The effects of host sincerity on tourists’ perceived destination image;
Resumo: This study aims to explore the effects of host sincerity on tourists’ perceived destination image, satisfaction, and behavioral intentions. Data were collected via an on-site survey in China and analyzed using structural equation modeling analysis. The findings suggest that local hosts should show their sincerity toward tourists in tourist-host interactions to create a positive destination image and trigger positive behavioral intentions of tourists for sustainable development of the travel destination. Residents can be active partners and co-producers of destination branding. This study highlights interactions between tourists and local residents as important attributes of the destination experience. © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.