Natural heritage tourism destinations possess important ecological, cultural, and visual
values, and their brand visual identity plays a significant role in communicating regional
characteristics, strengthening destination image, and enhancing publi...
Natural heritage tourism destinations possess important ecological, cultural, and visual
values, and their brand visual identity plays a significant role in communicating regional
characteristics, strengthening destination image, and enhancing public recognition.
However, existing studies on brand visual identity (BVI) have primarily focused on
corporate brands, urban brands, and general tourism destinations, while systematic
research specifically addressing natural heritage tourism destinations remains limited. In
particular, there is a lack of evaluation models that comprehensively reflect naturalness, authenticity, ecological symbolism, regional identity, and Outstanding Universal Value
(OUV).
Accordingly, this study aims to propose a systematic evaluation model for the brand
visual identity of Chinese natural heritage tourism destinations and to examine its
applicability through empirical case analysis. First, theories related to natural heritage
tourism destinations, tourism destination branding, and brand visual identity were
reviewed. Five representative international natural heritage tourism destination brands—
Iguazú National Park, the Greater Blue Mountains Area, the Wadden Sea, the Great
Barrier Reef, and Mount Etna were then selected for comparative analysis. Based on —
the literature review and case analysis, five major BVI domains were identified: logo,
typeface, color, graphic motif, and application systems. A total of 136 preliminary
evaluation items were subsequently derived.
To verify and refine the preliminary items, a two-round Delphi survey was
conducted with ten experts in visual design, brand design, tourism branding, and
cultural tourism. The first Delphi round examined content validity using the item-level
content validity index (I-CVI), while the second round assessed expert consensus
using the coefficient of variation (CV). Survey data were then collected from 300
respondents with experience visiting Chinese natural heritage tourism destinations.
Reliability analysis using corrected item-total correlation (CITC) and Cronbach’s , α
followed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA), was performed to examine internal
consistency and construct validity. Through these procedures, the initial 136 items
were progressively reduced to a final evaluation model comprising five upper-level
domains, twenty sub-dimensions, and sixty detailed evaluation items.
To examine the practical applicability of the model, Jiuzhaigou and Fanjingshan were
selected as empirical cases. Jiuzhaigou received an overall mean score of 3.63,
demonstrating relative strengths in its logo, color, and graphic motif systems,
particularly in expressing natural scenery, regional culture, and place identity. However,
weaknesses were identified in its typeface system and integrated BVI management.
Fanjingshan received an overall mean score of 2.95. Its color and graphic motif
systems effectively conveyed ecological symbolism, natural vitality, and environmental
characteristics, whereas its typeface and application systems showed comparatively low
levels of development and integration.
The findings indicate that the brand visual identity of natural heritage tourism
destinations should move beyond the design of individual promotional materials and
develop into an integrated visual communication and management system. Such a
system should consistently communicate ecological value, regional culture, heritage
identity, and OUV across different media and tourism-related touchpoints. This study
is significant in that it proposes a structured BVI evaluation model specifically designed
for natural heritage tourism destinations and provides theoretical, methodological, and
practical implications for brand diagnosis, visual system improvement, and long-term
BVI management in Chinese natural heritage tourism destinations.