From Screen to Destination: The Formation Path of Film-Induced Tourism Behavior Intention

Abstract Film‑induced tourism has emerged as a significant focus in tourism‑behaviour research. However, existing work largely examines single factors, neglecting the complex, configurational drivers of behavioural intention. This study integrates the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S–O–R) framework with a configurational perspective, using the series Meet Yourself as a case and applying fuzzy‑set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to explore how five antecedents—celebrity involvement, destination image, electronic word‑of‑mouth, place attachment and perceived value—combine to shape film‑induced tourists’ intentions. The findings show that: (1) Celebrity involvement, place attachment and perceived value are key, but each must combine with other conditions in specific configurations to drive high intention, underscoring multi‑factor synergy. (2) High intention arises through three equifinal types—externally‑stimulus‑driven, experience‑perception‑dominant and affective‑value‑oriented—spanning six causal pathways, confirming causal complexity and asymmetry. (3) Non‑high intention stems mainly from the simultaneous absence of multiple stimulus‑ and organism‑level elements, reflecting a “comprehensive‑driver‑deficiency” configuration.By adopting a configurational approach, this study moves beyond linear models, theoretically clarifying the multiplex, heterogeneous pathways underlying film‑induced tourism intentions and offering practical insights for destinations to design coordinated, multi‑dimensional strategies that enhance appeal in a differentiated manner.