Unpacking Tourist Scams: The Impact of Deception, Rumination, and Self-Attribution on Destination Sabotage

Abstract

Drawing on cognitive appraisal theory, this study explores the interaction of factors when perceived deception triggers destination sabotage. Survey data were collected from 532 Chinese tourists who reported experiencing scams. The findings reveal that rumination results from perceived deception and leads to destination sabotage. Furthermore, we show how the impact of perceived deception on rumination is mitigated by self-attribution—whether those scammed blame themselves or external factors. Our findings expand the literature on tourists' various responses to being scammed. The results provide destination managers with useful information on mitigating the destructive impact of tourist scams.