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Purpose

This study aims to develop a theoretical model to explore pathways of enhancing film-featured destination choice intention by linking film-related electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) to destination familiarity (DF), destination brand image (DBI) and attitude, filling the gap in exploring the mechanism of film-related eWOM’s influence on film-featured destination choice intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model and research hypotheses were each assessed using partial least squares-based structural equation modeling. An online survey was implemented to collect data from 511 Vietnamese respondents who watched a film featuring a specific destination and read eWOM about that destination.

Findings

Film-related eWOM can boost film-featured destination choice intention by enhancing DF (cognitive pathway), increasing attitude (affective pathway) and strengthening the simultaneous mediating roles of DF, DBI and attitude (hybrid pathways).

Research limitations/implications

Further studies are needed to validate the results in different cultural contexts, considering both negative eWOM and the moderating role of viewers’ age.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on tourism destination marketing by elucidating how film-related eWOM, as an antecedent, vicarious factor, can enhance film-featured destination choice intention by activating DF, DBI and attitude from a serial mediating approach. This study also suggests creative strategies for applying film-related eWOM in destination marketing.

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