Abstract
Increasing digitalization has posed new challenges for businesses, and digital coupons are an important means of promoting their sales. However, there are still gaps in the literature on how they are distributed. The objective of this paper is to study whether the distribution of digital coupons through a referral program increases purchase intention and perceived quality towards a product. By conducting an experimental design, the results point out that consumer purchase intention increases if the recommendation is made by someone with a strong relationship and if a digital coupon is offered, and when the tie relationship is weak or no relationship, it does not vary significantly. On the other hand, the results showed that perceived quality does not vary with the offer of a digital coupon, regardless of the strength of the tie between the person who recommended and the consumer. Current research suggests that managers should use this information to design a digital coupon program tailored to the company’s objectives to retain and capture customers. This new approach to digital voucher distribution is one of the first to investigate their distribution, and their simultaneous use with a referral program. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract
Destination image is critical for the development of tourism, particularly for islands where the scarcity of resources requires special care in focusing on the few determinants the islands have. This paper aims to describe the most perceived image determinants by tourists of Cape Verde. Based on a convenience sample of 627 international tourists, a second order factor analysis model was validated through the model fit measures. Despite a scarcity of resources, the results suggest that the image of Cape Verde is a multidimensional construct comprising five factors: natural attractions, man-made attractions, amenities, culture and price. Among these, the man-made and natural attractions as well as amenities are the most important image determinants for Cape Verde. Potentially there is a plurality of dimensions to be appreciated in the positioning process. Challenging many studies which have almost exclusively emphasised the attractions of natural resources, the tourism sector of this destination can offer a major and more flexible competitive advantage. The results may be helpful to other African countries which share similar developmental constraints with Cape Verde. © 2017 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.