Hello! I'm in the first stages of my thesis and, right now, I'm developing my research aim and objectives, as well as their respective research questions.

I would like to study the significance of symbolic awards, specifically those that are competitive schemes, in a tourism destination. From what I've learned, when studying the importance of a specific topic, I should focus on assessing the value/meaning it has for a specific target group (in this case a destination that has won an award). Additionally, I've been told to indicate if there are potential benefits/contributions that the award may hold for the winning destination as these can explain its importance. Following this train of thought, thoroughly reviewed the current literature and found that the importance could be attributed to certain aspects that are present during or after the competition, which are somehow expected before the competition process even begins. Thus, I decided to explore the significance of these awards, which are competitive in nature, by analyzing three stages: pre-award, participation, and post-award.

However, I am still doubtful about the best way of phrasing my aim, objectives and research questions. I wonder if these three stages (pre-award, participation, and post-award) should somehow be included in my objectives. So far, I've done the following:

Aim: Understand the importance of symbolic awards in (name of the destination)'s tourism sector.

Objective 1: Identify the prior motivations and expectations of (name of the destination) to participate in a competitive award scheme

Objective 2: Identify aspects that arose during the competition that were deemed important for (name of the destination)

Objective 3: Identify the potential benefits that winning an award brings to a destination

I would greatly appreciate some advice so that I can improve my research. Feel free to point out my mistakes or things I might have ignored. Thank you!