A second-order factor analysis model for measuring tourists' overall image of Algarve, Portugal.

Algarve is a tourism region in the south of Portugal. This paper develops and empirically validates a second-order factor analysis model to assess the overall image of Algarve held by tourists who visit it. The data are based on the opinions of a random convenience sample of tourists taken at Faro Airport. It is found that the observable variables define three first-order factors - that is, three image factors - and these are used as indicators of a unique second-order factor, which is the overall image held by tourists to Algarve. The main conclusion of the paper is that the `sun and sand' factor is the most important determinant of tourists' overall image of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]