Modeling consumer-based brand equity for multinational hotel brands – When hosts become guests

This study addresses global expansion challenges faced by multinational hotel companies under the backdrop of the booming international travel. Grounded upon theories pertaining to brand equity, this study develops the consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) model for multinational hotel brands, which examines the effects of brand knowledge on consumer response to these brands. The conceptual model is empirically tested using a sample of the Chinese middle-class consumers in their home country – China and when they travel to the foreign country as their host country – the United States. Three U.S.-based multinational hotel brands are selected: Hilton, Holiday Inn, and Super 8. Different relationship patterns between brand knowledge and consumer responses in home and host countries are exhibited. In addition, this study examines the role of Chinese consumersʹ travel motivation to the United States in the CBBE model.