This paper develops and applies a conceptual model of nonutilitarian tourism destination positioning. Tourist's nonutilitarian decision mechanisms (affective choosing and self‐congruity) are linked with destination positioning. A repositioning case of Dalian as a marine city destination versus its four competitors is used to demonstrate the model's guiding value. Through statistical analyses of MANOVA, ANOVAs and independent t‐tests, the findings indicate the differentiating affective image attribute and brand personality trait most useful for Dalian's positioning. A suggested nonutilitarian positioning strategy for Dalian, corresponding managerial and theoretical implications and future study considerations are finally summarized. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.